How our volunteers are supporting vital research to protect Aussie school kids

Exposure to UV radiation during childhood is known to increase future skin cancer risk in adulthood. That’s why, with the support of some of our dedicated volunteers, Cancer Council SA is surveying primary schools across Australia to find out what sun protection practices are in place to protect the future health of our children.

This comprehensive nationwide survey aims to understand:

• how schools are supporting the use of hats, sun protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses
• how much shade is available at school
• how sun protection is integrated into the curriculum
• if the school has a written sun protection policy.

Some of our incredible volunteers Amanda, Marilyn, Meredith and Lizzie have been on the phone to schools across the country helping to gather this important data.

Cancer Council SA Researcher, Jennifer Baldock says that the support from these volunteers has resulted in a significant increase in the number of schools responding to the survey.

“These volunteers are helping to gather a wealth of data that Cancer Councils nationwide can use to ensure sun safety for all Australian Children,” Jennifer says.

“The data we are gathering will give us a more comprehensive understanding of sun protection practices in schools, which helps Cancer Councils around Australia better support schools to promote sun protection to their students.”

The data collected from this survey will help to inform Cancer Councils national SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program which currently protects 124,000 South Australian children.

Cancer Council’s SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program has been running in South Australia for 24 years, thanks to support from the South Australian community. The program supports more than 800 schools, early childhood centres and OSHC services to develop and implement best practice sun protection policies.

Programs like these ensure that young people develop good sun protection habits that continue throughout adulthood.

Learn more about the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program and check the SunSmart status of your school, OSHC or Early Childhood Centre.