SunSmart policy guidance and FAQs – Primary and combined schools

To achieve or maintain SunSmart recognition with Cancer Council, your school is required to have sun protection policy that meets the Program’s policy and practice criterion.

Department for Education schools must have a sun protection policy in place to meet department requirements. A sun protection policy supports schools to meet their duty of care and work health and safety obligations outlined in the department’s Safety Management Procedure. The policy must be in effect in terms 1, 3 and 4 (or from 1 August to 30 April) and whenever the UV radiation level is 3 and above at other times and should outline how the school will comprehensively address the risk of over-exposure to UV radiation. Review the department’s Intranet page on sun exposure for further details on policy and practice requirements.

Catholic Education South Australia has duty of care and work health and safety policy and practice requirements. Review internal resources for further details.

Members of Association of Independent Schools of South Australia are also welcome access policy documents to support their sun protection policy development or review.

Our school already has a sun protection policy. Do we need to review it?

Site leaders, together with their governing councils or parent committees, may need to update their policy or create a new one if their current sun protection policy:

• has not been updated within the last 3 years.
• does not operate in terms 1, 3 and 4 (or 1 August to 30 April) and when the UV radiation level is 3 and above at other times.
• only documents how the school will address hot or wet weather.
• allows caps to be worn.
• does not document how the site will address each of the following:
  a.    sun protective hats and clothing
  b.    shade
  c.    sunscreen
  d.    curriculum
  e.    planning for outdoor camps, excursions and water-based activities
  f.     scheduling activities to minimise exposure during peak UV radiation times
  g.    role modelling and sun protection for work health and safety
  h.    sharing the policy with families and staff.

When establishing a local sun protection policy please refer to Cancer Council SA’s sun protection policy resources and supporting information which will help you meet the Department for Education requirements as well eligibility for SunSmart recognition. Review the department’s Intranet page on sun exposure for further details on policy and practice requirements.

Schools can have a combined sun protection policy with their associated Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and vacation care service. Cancer Council SA has a combined sample policy, which outlines recommended policy implementation times and sun protection practices for both the school and OSHC and vacation care service. When developing or reviewing a combined policy please refer to Cancer Council SA’s sun protection policy resources for guidance.

Site leaders can utilise Cancer Council SA’s sun protection policy resources and supporting information when establishing a local sun protection policy. Alternatively, email a draft sun protection policy for review to sunsmart@cancersa.org.au or phone the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 for support.

Sun protection extends further than a ‘no hat, play in the shade’ rule. The policy must be in effect for school terms 1, 3 and 4 (or 1 August to 30 April) and at other times when the UV radiation level is 3 and above. In South Australia, the UV Index usually starts to reach 3 and above from the beginning of August, coinciding with the start of term 3. The policy will need to discuss how the school will comprehensively address the risk of over-exposure to UV radiation using a range of measures – not just the wearing of hats. Refer to Cancer Council SA’s policy resources for further guidance.

Implementing sun protection for all outdoor activities during policy implementation times reduces the need to monitor UV levels.

Policy implementation times for schools are:

Terms 1, 3 and 4 (or 1 August to 30 April) and whenever UV radiation levels reach 3 and above at other times.
During term 2 it is recommended to monitor daily sun protection times for your location.

Daily local sun protection times are the time of day when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 and above. These times can be sourced from the SunSmart Global UV app, SunSmart widget, myuv.com.au or the Bureau of Meteorology website or app.

If your school chooses to monitor daily local sun protection times all year round, have a clear process in place that teachers follow. For example, each morning all teachers check the daily sun protection times for your location, using the SunSmart Global UV app and records these times on a UV chart for all students to refer to throughout the day. These times are clearly outlined for example, ‘9:00am to 5:00pm sun protection recommended’. Some schools, like to involve their students in the process, for example students can make announcements over the PA system.

Discourage teachers from using the live UV Index on the app, which some schools report checking multiple times throughout the day. The live UV Index reading isn’t reliable to determine whether sun protection is needed as this is impacted by cloud cover and changes every 5-10 minutes. Cloud cover will not block or eliminate UV completely. UV can pass through cloud cover.

Peak UV times of the day are when the UV is highest during the daytime and differ from the local sun protection times issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, which change daily.

During policy implementation times, aim to schedule outdoor activities outside peak UV times of the day, where possible. Alternatively, consider holding activities in well shaded areas. Sun protection may still be required outside of these hours.

Peak UV times are:

• 11.00 am – 3.00 pm during daylight savings
• 10.00 am – 2.00 pm during non-daylight savings.

The policy will need to apply to all persons entering the workplace or involved in an activity (onsite and offsite) including but not limited to all staff, visitors, volunteers, students, placement students, families, contractors, and others.

Families, governing councils, student leadership groups and staff are encouraged to work closely together to ensure their local sun protection policy is implemented and supported.

According to the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2012, employees and employers, along with visitors, volunteers and contractors, are required to have a shared responsibility regarding sun protection. All adults also have a responsibility to role model sun protection behaviours to students in their surroundings.

Teachers and educators who work outside for all or part of their day (including yard duty) can receive up to ten times more UV than someone who works solely indoors, which can drastically increase their risk of skin cancer. As part of WHS, staff are required to take measures to protect their skin when the UV is 3 and above. These include:

• clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible, such as tops with collars and longer style sleeves, and longer style shorts, dresses and skirts.
• a broad brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat (caps are not a suitable alternative).
• applying SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen twenty minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours.
• using shade when outdoors or organising activities under the shade where possible.
• wearing close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet AS/NZS 1067:2016 (Sunglasses: lens category 2, 3 or 4).

For more information on your responsibilities as an employee or employer visit the South Australian Legislation website and access the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

It doesn’t have to be a hot, sunny day for UV radiation to damage your skin. The sun sends out different types of radiation – visible light that we see as sunlight, infrared radiation felt as heat and UV radiation that we can’t see or feel on our skin. People often confuse infrared (heat) and UV radiation. It is not the heat that causes sunburn and skin damage, it is the UV radiation that damages our skin and can increase our risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. A UV level of 3 or higher is strong enough to damage our skin and eyes.

In South Australia, the UV radiation level is usually 3 and above from the beginning of August until the end of April. Therefore, Cancer Council SA and the Department for Education recommend that a local sun protection policy is implemented in terms 1, 3 and 4 (or 1 August to 30 April) and whenever the UV is 3 and above at other times. However, if your location is in or south of Kingston SE and Naracoorte due to lower latitude, during August your school can choose to implement sun protection only when the UV is 3 and above. Procedures must be implemented to ensure sun protection times are monitored daily.

The UV radiation level can also be 3 and above in term 2, depending on your location. Times of the day when UV is 3 and above are known as ‘sun protection times’.   It is recommended that staff and families monitor daily local sun protection times to know if sun protection is recommended in term 2. If your school is in or north of Elliston, Cowell, Port Broughton, and Burra it is particularly important to monitor daily local sun protection times during term 2 (May, June and July) due to higher local UV levels from being closer to the equator.

Staff can find the forecast UV level and daily local sun protection times from a number of different sources, for example:

• Check the South Australia weather forecast on the Bureau of Meteorology app or website. On the website, search for your location using the ‘change location’ text box, then choose ‘extended forecast (7-day)’ from the menu at the top right of the page to see a forecast that includes UV levels and sun protection times.
• Download the free SunSmart Global UV app to your smartphone or tablet.
• Add the SunSmart UV widget to your website.
• Visit myuv.com.au and check your location.

It doesn’t have to be a hot, sunny day for UV radiation to damage your skin. The sun sends out different types of radiation – visible light that we see as sunlight, infrared radiation felt as heat and UV radiation that we can’t see or feel on our skin. People often confuse infrared (heat) and UV radiation. It is not the heat that causes sunburn and skin damage, it is the UV radiation that damages our skin and can increase our risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. A UV level of 3 or higher is strong enough to damage our skin and eyes.

Even on a cool or cloudy day the UV levels can reach and remain 3 and above. Cloud cover will not block or eliminate UV completely. UV can pass through cloud cover.

In South Australia, the UV radiation level is usually 3 and above from the beginning of August until the end of April, coinciding with terms 1, 3 and 4.

However, if your location is in or south of Kingston SE and Naracoorte due to lower latitude, during August your school can choose to implement sun protection only when the UV is 3 and above. Procedures must be implemented to ensure sun protection times are monitored daily.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles, and for general health. The best source of vitamin D for your body is from exposure to the UV radiation from sunlight. Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency but there are times when it is important to be in the sun without protection.

When the UV Index is 3 or above (August to the end of April in South Australia), most people maintain adequate vitamin D levels just by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week even when wearing sun protection. Prolonged sun exposure does not cause your vitamin D levels to increase further but does increase your risk of skin cancer.

In May, June and July, when the UV level typically falls below 3 in South Australia, Cancer Council recommends spending time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered to support vitamin D production. Being physically active also helps boost vitamin D levels.

Although most people get enough sunlight to make adequate vitamin D during their day-to-day outdoor activities there are some groups who may not make enough for a variety of reasons. These include:

• People with naturally very dark skin.
• People with little or no sun exposure.
• Breast-fed babies from vitamin D deficient mothers.
• People with specific health conditions or who are taking medications affecting vitamin D metabolism.

People who belong to one of these groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency or if families are concerned about their child’s vitamin D levels, encourage them to consult their GP.

Vitamin D levels can be checked with a blood test, and a GP can advise on options, such as supplementation, depending on your individual circumstances.

Sometimes students and families can be resistant to procedures for a variety of reasons. It might be worth finding out why they are resisting as there could be a simple reason or miscommunication behind it.

Regularly promoting sun protection through assemblies, newsletters, communication apps, social media, displays, curriculum and role modelling, particularly at the start of term 1 and again in term 3, will bring expectations front of mind. Cancer Council has a range of free curriculum, information and promotional resources that schools can download or order.

The SunSmart team at Cancer Council SA can visit and speak with staff, governing council members and parents/caregivers about the importance of sun protection. Staff and families are encouraged to contact the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au if they have questions regarding sun protection.

Sometimes staff, governing council members and/or volunteers can be resistant to procedures for a variety of reasons. It might be worth finding out why they are resisting as there could be a simple reason or miscommunication behind it.

Regularly promoting policies through staff meetings, staff handbooks and displays, particularly at the start of term 1 and again in term 3, will bring the policy front of mind. Cancer Council has a range of free information and promotional resources that schools can download or order.

Encouraging staff to access up to date information on sun protection and training opportunities can assist with knowledge gaps. The Department for Education has online training accessible via Plink. For non-government schools the online Generation SunSmart professional learning training is freely accessible. The SunSmart team at Cancer Council SA can visit and conduct free professional learning sessions regarding sun protection in the education setting.

You can contact the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au if they have questions regarding sun protection.

Cancer Council SA is unable to present to students about sun protection. Instead, we can provide schools with a range of resources and teaching materials to support classroom and learning activities. These are available to download and print, or order from the resources section of our website.

Yes. The SunSmart team at Cancer Council SA can provide free information sessions for staff, parents, parent committees and governing councils to help them to understand the importance of sun protection and how to address it at their school.

To book a free information session for your staff and parents, contact the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au.

Cancer Council has a range of resources that are free to download or order from our website, including SunSmart resources.

School uniforms are reviewed and updated over the years for a variety of reasons. By including clothing and hat styles in your sun protection policy, this aims to ensure sun protection is considered during school uniforms reviews.

Students participating in sporting activities on behalf of the school will often spend large amounts of time outdoors at sports days, carnivals and interschool sports competitions. Sleeveless tops are not recommended as they will not provide enough protection to the skin. Sleeveless tops should ideally be replaced with tops which are loose fitting, closely woven and include at least elbow length sleeves and a collar such as a polo shirt.

Transitioning from sleeveless sports tops to a top with sleeves will not significantly increase the risk of heat stress and will offer more protection to the skin against UV radiation.

Priority for sun protective sports uniform should be placed on activities that occur during school hours and for training sessions that occur during sun protection times. We understand that sleeveless tops and shorter style shorts or skirts may be required for game day.

Some schools may choose to provide sunscreen for staff and students however there are other options if this is not practical. These include having sunscreen on the booklist or asking each family to provide a named SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for their child which is kept in a bag, locker or tray.

Your school can develop a sunscreen application and reapplication routine where sunscreen is applied at the same time daily during policy implementation times. Alternatively, have a process in place to monitor daily local sun protection times for example via the SunSmart Global UV app, to guide sunscreen application and reapplication times each day, which can be part of student’s learning about how to protect their skin.

The following information provides guidance to help develop a sunscreen application routine that maintains sun protection throughout the day.

Aim for sunscreen application at least twice throughout the day.

First application

• Students can be encouraged to apply sunscreen before or upon arrival to school, which allows 20 minutes for sunscreen absorption.

or

• Before going outdoors, remind students to apply or provide time for application – when possible, 20 minutes before going outdoors to allow sunscreen to reach its SPF rating.

Second and further applications

• If returning or remaining outdoors it is recommended to reapply every 2 hours, or reapply immediately after sweating, water-based activities, towel drying or being washed off, even if the product label indicates 4 hours water resistance.
• Sunscreen reapplication routines can be determined based on your school’s schedule. This could mean sunscreen is reapplied before break times or before scheduled outdoor activities such as PE lessons or excursions.

Sunscreen contains water and oil-based ingredients. After it is applied and rubbed in, its maximum protective effect is reached when the water has evaporated and the film of sunscreen active in the oil base remains on the skin which takes up to 20 minutes.

This is also the process that is followed when testing sunscreen for its SPF levels. It’s important to apply sunscreen the same way to get the right level of SPF protection.

1. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
2. Reapply every 2 hours or after being washed off, water-based activities, sweating or towel drying.

Allowing 20 minutes for sunscreen absorption is most important for the first application of the day, so when sunscreen is reapplied later in the day outdoor play can be continued immediately.

Cancer Council recommends applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors, (as per the manufacturer’s instructions) for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin and reach the SPF on the label. Some schools ask families to apply sunscreen to their children before or upon arrival in the morning to allow for sunscreen absorption. Alternatively, factor in 20 minutes for sunscreen absorption into classrooms routines. If after thorough consideration and staff consultation, this still isn’t practical, applying sunscreen immediately before going outdoors is better than not applying sunscreen at all. Your school can still be recognised as SunSmart if sunscreen is applied immediately before going outdoors.

Sunscreen labels in Australia are currently regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, who determine claims that can be made about water resistance. It’s important to remember that the 4 hour water resistance test is conducted in laboratory conditions, and doesn’t reflect real-life situations where sand, physical activity, sweat, water and towel drying can cause sunscreen to rub off. In addition, sunscreen often isn’t applied thoroughly – that’s why its recommended sunscreen is reapplied every 2 hours if remaining or returning outdoors or after being washed off, water-based activities, sweating or towel drying to ensure effective protection. Sunscreen reapplication every 2 hours is clearly stated on most Australian sunscreen packaging.

Your school can develop a sunscreen application and reapplication routine where sunscreen is applied at the same time daily during policy implementation times. Alternatively, have a process in place to monitor daily local sun protection times for example via the SunSmart Global UV app, to guide sunscreen application and reapplication times each day, which can be part of student’s learning about how to protect their skin.

The following information provides guidance to help develop a sunscreen application routine that maintains sun protection throughout the day.

Aim for sunscreen application at least twice throughout the day.

First application

• Students can be encouraged to apply sunscreen before or upon arrival to school, which allows 20 minutes for sunscreen absorption.

or

• Before going outdoors, remind students to apply or provide time for application – when possible, 20 minutes before going outdoors to allow sunscreen to reach its SPF rating.

Second and further applications

• If returning or remaining outdoors it is recommended to reapply every 2 hours, or reapply immediately after sweating, water-based activities, towel drying or being washed off, even if the product label indicates 4 hours water resistance.
• Sunscreen reapplication routines can be determined based on your school’s schedule. This could mean sunscreen is reapplied before break times or before scheduled outdoor activities such as PE lessons or excursions.

Below are some examples, to help improve sunscreen application. It may also be useful to have a discussion amongst teachers to share ideas.

• Use sunscreen buddies or sunscreen monitors for peer-to-peer reminders.
• Make sunscreen application fun with music, or educational e.g. recite times tables or spelling revision.
• Engage students to identify a desirable sunscreen such as a dry touch, moisturising, or sport sunscreen.
• A mirror and tissues can be helpful for younger students to assist with application.
• Role model and demonstrate correct sunscreen application to encourage students to cover all exposed skin.
• Seek support from families by encouraging them to discuss sunscreen application at school with their child.

If your school provides sunscreen and some students are sensitive to it, it is recommended that the family provides a suitable SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen alternative that is named and kept onsite. When using a sunscreen for the first time, encourage families to test on a small section of skin first. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. For more information to support families to choose a suitable sunscreen, refer to our Sunscreen Fact Sheet.

Students who are unable to use sunscreen for medical or sensory reasons may need to have a doctor’s certificate and should be kept covered by hats and clothing and under the shade when sun protection is recommended. Families may like to consider long sleeved shirts options or kids arm sleeves.

If a parent or guardian is requesting sunscreen isn’t worn for other reasons, a staff member may like to discuss these concerns with them by referring to our Sunscreen Fact Sheet for guidance. A staff member may need to request the parent or guardian discuss their concerns with a GP and seek advice on how best to protect their child’s skin. GP involvement may influence the parent or guardian’s decision. If the parent or guardian continues to withhold consent, schools may like to request a GP letter outlining their advice and ask the parent or guardian to sign a waiver outlining they understand the risks involved for their child.

Schools can contact the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au if they would guidance on communicating with families regarding sunscreen.

When age appropriate (around three years) Cancer Council recommends supporting children to apply their own sunscreen under appropriate supervision. Some students may need assistance so it may be necessary to seek permission directly from the student’s family or guardian in order to provide assistance.

Caps do not provide adequate protection to the face, neck and ears and are not recommended. Cancer Council recommends making a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat available on the uniform list and phasing out the use of baseball caps. Baseball caps should be removed from the uniform list and uniform shop. The Department for Education requests department schools phase out baseball caps.

While planning this transition, considering your school’s challenges and strengths can help prepare for success. Gain support and momentum through education and communication with students and families. Consider these principles, when making the transition:

1. Establish simple rules.
2. Clearly communicate the rules.
3. Consistently apply the rules.
4. Monitor hat wearing to stay on track.

Cancer Council has a range of free information and promotional resources that can support phasing out baseball caps and can be downloaded or ordered. Schools can contact the SunSmart team on 08 8291 4316 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au for guidance.

Cancer Council recommends removing hats during term 2 (May, June and July) on days when the UV forecast is below 3 to support vitamin D levels. However, your school can decide to wear hats all year round for consistency, and still be recognised as SunSmart. If your school chooses to wear hats all year round, clearly outline this in your policy but still include the policy implementation times for all other sun protective measures.

While providing spare hats for outdoor activities is good practice, an alternative measure should also be in place for instances where spare hats are unavailable (e.g., supplies are exhausted, correct size is not available, etc.) Department for Education primary schools are mandated to have a ‘no hat, play in the shade’ approach, which can be alongside providing spare hats.

Caps do not provide adequate protection to the face, neck and ears and are not recommended. Often the issue of hats flying off is fixed by having a hat that can be adjusted or fastened at the back of the head such as broad-brimmed, bucket,  or legionnaire style hat. Having different sized hats available to purchase means that students can get a well-fitted hat.

The Department for Education requests department schools phase out baseball caps.

Teachers and families may need to purchase a bigger broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style hat to fit over the headdress. As hijabs are already very covering, it may be useful to recommend a visor they can wear over the top of the hijab which shades their face. Sunscreen can be applied to any exposed skin on the face, neck, and ears. The educator may like to use a non-greasy sunscreen to prevent damage to headwear fabric.

Using shade as much as possible when you are outdoors is an important strategy in protecting your skin. Shade from trees and man-made structures (e.g. pergolas, buildings) offer some protection from UV radiation but do not totally block it out. UV radiation can still be reflected off the ground and buildings around you, even under dense shade.

Always use shade as well as sun protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen for maximum protection from UV radiation.

Using shade as much as possible when you are outdoors is an important strategy in protecting your skin. Cancer Council recognises that shade can be a significant financial investment and it may take time to secure funding to increase shade. Funding shade should remain a priority of the school, governing council and parent committees.

If your school does not currently have adequate shade there are a few options you can consider to reduce overexposure to UV radiation such as:

• rescheduling outdoor activities and lessons outside of the peak UV times of the day (10 am to 2 pm or 11 am to 3 pm daylight savings time) when the UV radiation levels will be at their highest.
• scheduling sports days and other outdoor events during term 2 or earlier in the day/ at twilight where practical.
• utilising existing shade as much as possible by setting up activities under shade, placing seating under shaded areas for break times, moving play equipment under the shade or redirecting play to shaded areas.
• conducting PE lessons that must occur across the middle of the day in a gymnasium or multi-purpose room where possible lengthening the recess break and shortening the lunch break so children and students are outside for less time when the UV radiation levels will be at their highest.

Conducting a regular shade audit can assist schools to determine the quality and need for shade. Consider where shade is currently located in the morning, middle of the day and the afternoon, and if it is suitable for the space. Are there outdoor spaces used frequently, that could benefit from shade? The audit results will help you determine where shade improvements need to be made after which you can start to explore solutions for reducing UV exposure such as changing the way the outdoor spaces are used, making existing shaded areas more appealing or investing in new shade development. For more information on understanding shade options, refer to our Shade Fact Sheet.