SunSmart Schools
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Sun exposure in childhood and adolescence greatly increases the chances of developing skin cancer later in life.
The SunSmart Schools Program aims to minimise student and staff exposure to UV radiation from the sun at school and during school-associated activities. To learn more click on the headings below:
- What is a SunSmart School?
- Why become a SunSmart School?
- Developing a SunSmart School policy
- How to become a SunSmart School
- Renewing your SunSmart School status
- Healthy Schools News Term 3 2010 (2.1Mb pdf)
What is a SunSmart School?
A SunSmart School is a school with a comprehensive sun protection policy that is put into action during all outdoor school activities. This policy must meet criteria developed by the Cancer Council WA.
Why become a SunSmart School?
Schools, in partnership with families and their communities, have an important role in reducing sun exposure because:
- schools have a duty of care to protect students and staff from harm. A sun protection policy can assist schools to meet this obligation;
- the crucial period for sustaining damage from sun exposure occurs during the school years;
- children are at school during peak UV radiation times five days a week;
- schools can influence sun protection behaviours through education;
- sun protection policies can be included in existing health policies.
If your school becomes a SunSmart School, the Cancer Council WA provides can provide you with the following FREE resources:
- a SunSmart sign;
- a curriculum resource book;
- advice on health promotion strategies including policy development;
- access to educational resources; and
- SunSmart lesson guides and activities.
And the SunSmart Schools Program is FREE to join.
Developing a SunSmart Schools policy
Each school is responsible for developing, putting into action and regularly reviewing its own sun protection policy. The SunSmart Schools Program has example policies and templates to help you (see 'How to become a SunSmart School' below).
A SunSmart Schools policy should address:
- Why the sun protection policy is important for your school
- What effect the sun protection measures will have on your school's curriculum, environment and behaviour
- How and when the policy will be put into action and reviewed
- How the impact of the policy will be determined (evaluation)
For more information contact the SunSmart Education Program Coordinator on (08) 9388 4351 or email education@cancerwa.asn.au.
How to become a SunSmart School
Becoming a SunSmart School is easy, simply:
- review the SunSmart School policy guidelines; (pdf 86kb)
- develop a sun protection policy or update the existing one; download sample policy (pdf 40kb)
- fill out a SunSmart Schools application form (pdf 157kb)
- and submit all paperwork to:
SunSmart Education Program Coordinator
Cancer Council WA
15 Bedbrook Place
SHENTON PARK WA 6008
Renewing your SunSmart School status
- review and update the existing sun protection policy; download sample policy (pdf 40kb)
- fill out a SunSmart Schools application form (pdf 157kb)
- and submit all paperwork to:
SunSmart Education Program Coordinator
Cancer Council WA
15 Bedbrook Place
SHENTON PARK WA 6008
