National SunSmart Schools Program
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Students are in school when daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak, meaning schools are uniquely placed to educate about sun protection behaviour, minimise UVR exposure and ultimately reduce a student's lifetime risk of skin cancer. All Australian primary schools are encouraged to join the nationally recognised SunSmart Schools program.
SunSmart membership assists schools meet their duty of care requirements in sun protection and occupational health and safety (OHS) obligations in UV risk reduction for staff.
Cancer Council launched the National SunSmart Schools program in 1998. Today it is offered to all primary schools nationwide, and is also offered to K-10/12, secondary and special schools in some states.
In order to receive SunSmart status and recognition, primary schools must:
- have a written sun protection policy meeting minimum standards relating to sun protective behaviours, environment and curriculum
- reschedule/minimise outdoor activities in direct sun during peak UV periods of the year
- teach, model and reinforce positive sun protection behaviour
- agree to complete regular policy reviews with the relevant state or territory Cancer Council to ensure their policy meets current guidelines and recommendations.
Overexposure to UV during adulthood also increases the risk of skin cancer. It is equally important that all teachers and staff are aware of their own occupational UV exposure and protect themselves by using a combination of sun protection measures (hats, covering clothing, sunscreen, shade and sunglasses) when UV levels reach 3 and above.
National SunSmart Early Childhood Program
Early childhood education and care services across Australia can also be recognised for their sun protection behaviours by joining the SunSmart Early Childhood Program.
SunSmart membership assists services to meet their regulatory and duty of care requirements in sun protection and OHS obligations in UV risk reduction for staff.
Secondary schools and colleges
Currently the National SunSmart Schools program is only offered to secondary schools in Western Australia and Victoria. However, all Australian secondary school communities are encouraged to develop and implement a sun protection policy or plan that aims to reduce UV exposure and minimise the long-term risk of skin damage among students and workers.
Outside School Hours Care/Vacation Care Services
All OSHC services are required to have a sun protection policy and protect children and staff from UV exposure. SunSmart has various resources to help support sun protection at your service with some states offering SunSmart membership for OSHC. Please contact your local state/territory Cancer Council.
Your state or territory Cancer Council may be able to assist your school or service with policy development, recommendations and resources etc. To contact your state or territory Cancer Council call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or click on the map below.
Find out more about SunSmart in schools near you
To learn more about the program in your state or territory, click on the map
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.
Melanoma was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2016 and it is estimated that it will be the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2020. In 2016 there were 14,48 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in Australia.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. UV damage also causes sunburn, tanning, premature ageing and eye damage. The good news is you can prevent damage – and skin cancer – by being SunSmart.
Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher. Below 3, sun protection isn't recommended unless you are outdoors for extended periods or near reflective surfaces, like snow.
Australians shouldn't expose themselves to potentially harmful UV to get more vitamin D. Evidence suggests that prolonged sun exposure doesn't cause vitamin D levels to to increase further but it does increase your risk of developing skin cancer. When UV levels are 3 or higher, most Australians get enough vitamin D with just a few minutes of sun exposure while doing everyday tasks.
Unlike the sun's heat and light, we can't see or feel UV radiation, so check the UV for your location on the free SunSmart app or on the Bureau of Meteorology website.
For the best protection, use all five SunSmart steps:
1. Slip on covering clothing
Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, for example, collared shirts with long sleeves. Some clothing may carry an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is a guarantee of how much UV protection a fabric provides.
2. Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside. The average-sized adult will need a teaspoon of sunscreen for their head and neck, each limb and the front and back of the body. That's about seven teaspoons (35mL) for a full body application. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
Remember, sunscreen is not a suit of armour and should be used with other sun protection measures.
3. Slap on a hat
Choose, a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket style hat which shades your face, nose, neck and ears, which are common sites for skin cancers. Caps and visors do not provide enough protection.
4. Seek shade
Use trees, built shade structures, or bring your own (such as a sunshade tent)! Shade reduces UV radiation, but it can still reach you via reflection, so make sure you use shade in combination with other sun protection measures.
5. Slide on some sunglasses
Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat worn together can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98%. Sunglasses should be worn outside during daylight hours. Choose close-fitting wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NSZ 1067.
Keep an eye on your skin
Check your skin regularly for any new spots or changes in shape, colour or size of existing spots. If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor as soon as possible. Most skin cancer can be successfully treated if it is found early.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.