Sun Safety for Kids

Studies show that one or more severe, blistering sunburns as a child could increase the risk for melanoma, an often-fatal form of skin cancer. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your children safe in the sun.

Avoid the sun
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m, and 3 p.m. Also avoid the sun when the UV Index is high in your area. Don't be fooled by cloudy skies. Clouds only block 20 per cent of the UV radiation, which can also pass through water.

Use sunscreen
A sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is recommended. These lotions, creams, ointments, gels or wax sticks- when applied to the skin- absorb, reflect or scatter some or all of the sun's rays. You should use "broad-spectrum" sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Both UVA and UVB can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

Hats and sunglasses
A hat with at least a six-centimeter brim all around is ideal because it can protect areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes and scalp.

Children should wear sunglasses, starting as young as one year old. They need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses, not toy ones.

Cover up
Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants or long skirts as much as possible when in the sun. Most materials and colours absorb or reflect UV rays.

Be a good role model
Parents and child-care workers need to set an example by following these same sun protection guidelines themselves!