SAFETY IN THE SUN

We often forget children playing in the backyard can receive just as much sun, if not more, than a day at the beach.

Too much sun for younger children can cause skin problems in later life, so early prevention and protection is vital.

Young babies have sensitive skin and should be kept out of the sun until at least 12 months old.

A good place to start protecting your children from the sun is in the backyard play area, check to see if the children have a shaded area from the sun, a large leafy tree, a pergola, a cubby house or a shade cloth over a play pit.

Clothing is part of sun protection for children, hats with a back flap and brim are best and
long-sleeved shirts made from cotton's or Lycra's are good sun protection materials.

Children playing in the sun can quickly dehydrate, so always provide adequate fluids.

Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, this is generally between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

Be aware of how much time you are spending in the sun, remember you can still be sunburnt on a cloudy day.

Use a recommended sunscreen (SPF 15+ or greater)

Avoid long periods of direct sun exposure. Sit or play in the shade, especially when your shadow is shorter than you are tall.

Be aware of the length of time you are in the sun. It may take only 15 minutes of midday summer sun to burn a fair-skinned person.

BLOCK sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen lotion, gel or sunstick with a rating of SPF 15+ or higher on the areas of your body exposed to the sun and reapply every two hours even on cloudy days.


The protective ability of sunscreen is rated by Sun Protection Factor (SPF) - the higher the SPF, the stronger the protection. SPF numbers indicate the length of time one can spend in the sun without risk of burning.

When swimming or participating in intense physical activity, sunscreen may need to be applied more often.

Invisible sunscreens work by trapping the ultraviolet energy and preventing that energy from damaging the skin.

Visible opaque white or colored sunblock creams prevent all light from entering the skin. They often contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide ("chemical-free" sunscreens). They are useful for high-risk areas such as the nose, lips, and shoulders.

Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct sun and covered by protective clothing. Apply sunscreen beginning at six months of age. Children under six months of age should not have prolonged sun exposure.

COVER UP with a hat and light colored clothing when outdoors.

Don't play or work outdoors without a shirt.

Put on a shirt and hat after swimming or wear a T-shirt while swimming. In addition to filtering out the sun, tightly woven clothing reflects heat and helps keep you feeling cool.

Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays protect the eyes and eyelids.