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Revised March, 2004

SUN SAFE POLICY STATEMENT

RATIONALE:

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with 140,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths recorded each year.  There are four factors, often occurring simultaneously, which contribute to these statistics:

1. The population is predominantly fair-skinned.

2. Ultraviolet light from the sun is of sufficient intensity to induce skin cancer in this susceptible population.

Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Much of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. Research suggests that severe sunburn is a contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, blemishes and premature ageing. Most skin damage and skin cancer is, therefore, preventable.

Primary Schools can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths by encouraging all members of the school community to take effective skin-protection measures.

TOP

OUTCOMES:

1. Positive attitudes towards skin protection.

2. Lifestyle practices which can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths.

3. Personal responsibility for and decision-making about skin protection.

4. Awareness of the need for environmental changes in schools to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.

This policy is for implementation throughout the year with particular emphasis in Terms 1 & 4.  The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all children attending our school are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

1.1  Children will be encouraged to wear hats which protect the face, neck and ears whenever they are outside e.g. sport, sports carnivals, outdoor excursions and activities.

1.2  Children who do not have their hats with them will play in a designated area protected from the sun. "NO HAT - PLAY IN THE SHADE"

1.3  Children will be encouraged to wear SPF30+, broad spectrum, water resistant suncreen for skin protection.

1.4  Children will be encouraged to use available areas of shade for outdoor play activities.

1.5  Outdoor activities will be held in areas of shade whenever possible.

1.6  Teachers will schedule outdoor activities before 10am and after 2pm [11am and 3pm daylight saving time] whenever possible.

1.7  Staff will be encouraged to act as role models by practising Sun Safe behaviour:

• wearing protective hats and appropriate clothing for all outdoor activities

• using a SPF30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for skin protection

• seeking shade whenever possible

2.1  Ensure that a variety of school hats are available for purchase.

2.2  Ensure that adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and outdoor events.

2.3  Provide shelters and shade trees.

2.4  Incorporate programs on skin cancer prevention in its curriculum.

2.5  Reinforce regularly the Sun Safe Policy in a positive way through newsletters, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.

3. When enrolling a child, parents will be:

3.1  Informed of the Sun Safe Policy.

3.2  Requested to purchase a school hat  for their child's use.

3.3  Encouraged to administer SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to their child's before coming to school.

3.4  Encouraged to practise skin-protective behaviour themselves.

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