Principals and teachers should refer to the memorandum Student Welfare:
Protection from the Sun(97/152) which contains Guidelines to Assist
in Implementing the Student Welfare Policy.
The major cause of the common skin cancers is cumulative unprotected
exposure to the sun. Research shows that most skin damage occurs during
childhood and adolescence. As such, there is a need to raise awareness
within the whole school community about precautions needed to maximise
protection from the sun. With the support of parents, students can be
encouraged to take precautions when exposed to the sun. These procedures
may involve:
wearing a broad brimmed hat whenever the sport or activity permits,
which provides adequate protection to the face, neck and ears
wearing protective clothing with collars and longer sleeves. Clothes
which have an SPF rating indicated on the label or closely woven fabrics
offer the best protection
applying, as a minimum 15+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
to exposed skin before going outside and reapplication as directed by
the manufacturer
remaining in shade, if possible from 11:00am - 3:00pm during daylight
saving time (10:00am - 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time)
encouraging the wearing of sunglasses where glare and reflected radiance
are
high. It is recommended that sunglasses meet Australian Standards AS1067,
offer 99% protection from UV rays and are a close fitting wrap-around
style.
Schools should consider:
The extent to which outdoor activities and events are scheduled during
peak UVR times. Increasingly, schools are scheduling sport in the mornings,
swimming carnivals in the evenings.
The selection of venues and scheduling of time for physical activity
particularly during the summer months to minimise exposure to UVR.
The use of portable shade structures. These can be very effective
in supplementing existing facilities and providing, for example, shade
for students in carnival marshalling areas and track and field events.
