Sunsmart Preschool
It's sobering to consider that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three people who grow up here will develop some form of skin cancer. The major cause of skin cancer is UV radiation from the sun.
Exposure to the sun in childhood and adolescence is an important factor in the development of skin cancer in later life. Sunburn in childhood is a particular risk factor; exposure in adulthood also plays a part. Current scientific evidence suggests that the damage to cells is done in childhood but exposure to UV radiation in adulthood triggers skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun in childhood and adolescence is an important factor in the development of skin cancer in later life. Sunburn in childhood is a particular risk factor; exposure in adulthood also plays a part. Current scientific evidence suggests that the damage to cells is done in childhood but exposure to UV radiation in adulthood triggers skin cancer.
A SunSmart Preschool
At Mullumbimby Community Preschool we are committed to teaching and modelling sensible measures to protect your child's skin from sun damage. Children are required to wear a hat in the yard and on excursions all year round. Staff, volunteers, students and helpers all wear hats and model SunSmart behaviour.
Hats should follow the Cancer Council guidelines, protecting the child's face, neck, ears and crown of the head. Suitable hats include broad brimmed hats with a brim size of at least 6 cm, deep bucket-style hats with a brim size of at least 5 cm and a deep crown, or legionnaire hats. Baseball caps do not provide protection for the neck, ears and cheeks and are not recommended. Children who will not wear a hat are encouraged to play on the verandah or invited indoors to play.
When outdoors all children are required to wear clothing which protects as much of the child's skin as possible, especially the shoulders, back and stomach. Loose fitting shirts and dresses with collars and sleeves that cover the shoulders and chest are recommended, as are trousers and longer style shorts or skirts. Closely woven fabrics offer the best protection. Midriff tops and singlets are not recommended.
Parents are encouraged to apply 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen 20 - 30 minutes before their child attends preschool.
Outdoor activities are planned by our staff for between the hours of 9:00 - 11:00 am during Daylight Saving time. Activities are planned for shaded areas during this time. The preschool yard provides adequate shaded areas so that children are able to play under permanent shade structures, trees, and shadecloth.
SunSmart books, songs, posters and games are integrated into our programme.
Brochures and information from SunSmart / the Cancer Council are available at the preschool.