ISO 24444 / ISO 24443 EU COLIPA and SANS 1557 Verified Broadspectrum Sunscreens
Protecting Children from Sun Exposure
Children are the most vulnerable to sun-induced skin damage and future sun-related skin cancers. Research shows that proper sun protection during childhood can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious skin conditions later in life. This guide provides evidence-based information on why children need special protection and how to implement effective sun safety practices.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable to UV Radiation
- Long-term Risk: Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence significantly increases the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in later life
- Cumulative Exposure: A significant portion of a person's lifetime UV radiation exposure occurs before age 18
- Sensitive Skin: A child's skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's, allowing more sun damage in a shorter time
- Time Factor: Children have more years of life during which diseases with long latency periods can develop
- Behavior Patterns: Children are more likely to play outdoors during peak UV hours (10am-3pm), especially during school breaks
Schools are an excellent environment to teach healthy sun protection behaviors. Teachers can play a crucial role in enhancing children's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sun safety. Educational programs in schools have been shown to significantly decrease adverse health effects and healthcare costs associated with sun damage. (Source: World Health Organization)
Understanding the UV Index for Child Protection
The UV Index is a valuable tool for determining when sun protection measures are necessary. For children, extra precautions should be taken even at moderate UV levels.
As shown in the UV Index chart, if the UV Index is 3 or above, it's important to practice appropriate sun protection measures. It's worth noting that even during South African winters, the UV index is seldom under 3, leading to a common misconception that sun protection is unnecessary in winter.
Remember: UVA rays penetrate the earth's atmosphere almost as much in winter as in summer (even though UVB rays are mostly absorbed in winter). UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and can cause long-term damage even without visible sunburn.
WHO INTERSUN Program
The World Health Organization has recognized the need for schools to implement sun exposure education policies and has initiated a worldwide campaign to educate school children about the hazards of sun exposure through their INTERSUN program.
This initiative was partly modeled on success stories like Australia's sun education policies, which have helped reduce skin melanomas among children by up to 70% since their inception.
The INTERSUN program provides resources for schools, parents, and communities to develop effective sun protection strategies that can be integrated into daily routines and educational curricula.
Educational Resources
These evidence-based resources provide comprehensive guidelines for protecting children from harmful UV radiation:
- WHO Information Series on School Health: Sun Protection: An Essential Element of Health-Promoting Schools
- WHO Guide: Protecting Children from Ultraviolet Radiation with Sunblock and Sunscreen
KoolaSun's Commitment to Child Sun Safety
KoolaSun wholeheartedly supports all initiatives to prevent sun-induced melanomas. We offer schools wholesale pricing on smaller orders of sunblock to help ensure every classroom can have a bottle of sunscreen, providing children with sun protection while playing at school.
Critical Sun Safety Fact
Just one instance of blistering sunburn more than doubles a child's chance of developing malignant skin melanomas later in life. (Source: US National Library of Medicine)
Practice Sun Safety Habits at Your School
Our school program includes:
- Bulk sunscreen at wholesale prices for classroom use
- Educational materials for teachers and students
- Guidelines for creating effective school sun safety policies
- Child-friendly sunscreen formulations that are easy to apply
Protect the Children in Your Care
Contact us to learn more about our school sunscreen program or to discuss bulk sunscreen options for your school, daycare center, or youth organization: