Sun safety at school and early childhood settings

Schools and early childhood services have policies to protect children and young people from UV damage. These include uniforms that provide more protection, creating shade and no-hat-no-play policies.

UV exposure during the first 18 years of a person's life is a significant factor in determining skin cancer risk. It is estimated that 50% of total UV exposure up to the age of 60 occurs before the age of 20. The dermis, one of the skin’s three main layers, is thinner in children than in adults, and is more vulnerable to UV damage.

Best practice sun safety is supported by the Cancer Council Queensland’s National SunSmart Schools program, which is open to early childhood centres, outside school hours care, and primary schools. The Department of Education offers sun safety guidance and resources to help schools and their community develop a sun safety policy.

Parents and carers can support sun safety at school and early childhood centres by modelling the five ways to be sun safe and encouraging the creation of quality, built and natural shade. Cancer Council NSW has developed excellent resources on shade for schools and early childhood centres, as well as a shade advocacy toolkit.

Resources

Last updated: 28 August 2025