Sun Safety for Kids: Tips from a Skin Cancer Doctor
Sun safety is essential for children, as their sensitive skin is more prone to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Teaching kids about sun protection in an engaging, age-appropriate way helps build lifelong healthy habits.
This blog post offers practical tips on discussing sun safety with children, tailored to different age groups, along with fun activities and kid-friendly products to make it enjoyable.
Why Sun Safety Matters for Kids
Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults’, making it more vulnerable to UV damage. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood may significantly increase the risk of melanoma later in life. By making sun safety a fun and regular part of their routine, you can protect your kids while empowering them to take charge of their health.
“Explain the science in simple terms. Use analogies like comparing UV rays to invisible lasers that sunscreen blocks. Encourage independence.”
Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)
How to Talk About It:
Use simple, playful language to explain the sun’s effects. Compare sunscreen to “superhero armour” that protects their skin from the sun’s “zappy rays.” Emphasise that sun safety makes outdoor play more fun by preventing “ouchies” like sunburns.
Fun Activities:
Sunscreen Art: Add a drop of food colouring or biodegradable glitter to sunscreen (with parental supervision) to make applying it exciting. Let kids smear it on their arms like finger paint, ensuring even coverage.
Sing Sun Safety Songs: Use catchy tunes like those from SunSmart’s “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” campaign.
Hat Parade: Encourage kids to pick out colourful, wide-brimmed hats and have a fashion show.
Kid-Friendly Products:
Stick Sunscreens: Easy-to-apply zinc sticks.
UV-Protective Swimwear: Look for rashies and swimsuits with UPF 50+.
Fun Sunglasses: Durable, kid-sized sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Primary School Kids (Ages 6–11)
How to Talk About It:
Explain the science in simple terms. Use analogies like comparing UV rays to invisible lasers that sunscreen blocks. Encourage independence.
Fun Activities:
Shadow Check Game: Teach kids to check their shadow length to gauge UV strength.
Design a Sun-Safe Playground: Draw or build a model of a shaded playground.
Sunscreen Relay: Practice applying (pretend) sunscreen and pass a hat or sunglasses.
Kid-Friendly Products:
Sunscreen Sprays: Ensure even coverage when rubbed in.
UPF Clothing: Lightweight shirts and rash guards.
SunSmart App: Lets kids check daily UV levels.
Tweens and Teens (Ages 12–17)
How to Talk About It:
Be direct about risks and tie sun safety to their interests like skincare.
Fun Activities:
Social Media Challenge: Create a short video about sun safety.
DIY Sun-Safe Gear: Customise hats or sunglasses.
UV Sticker Experiment: Show how UV rays penetrate clouds.
Kid-Friendly Products:
Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens: Brands like La Roche-Posay.
Stylish UPF Accessories: Bucket hats and UV sleeves.
Sunglasses with Style: Brands like Ray-Ban Junior.
General Tips for All Ages
Lead by Example: Apply sunscreen and wear sun-safe clothing.
Make It Routine: Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside.
Check UV Levels: Use the SunSmart app or Bureau of Meteorology UV guide.
Choose the Right Gear: Long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses.
Shade Is Your Friend: Use umbrellas or pop-up tents during peak UV hours.
Special Considerations
Babies Under 6 Months: Avoid direct sunlight and use protective clothing. Sunscreen only if necessary.
Sensitive Skin or Medications: Consult your doctor for product recommendations and extra care.
Making Sun Safety Fun and Effective
By using playful analogies, interactive activities, and kid-friendly products, you can make sun safety an exciting part of your child’s routine. Start early, be consistent, and involve their interests to foster habits that protect their skin for a lifetime.
For more information, check out trusted resources like SunSmart or the Cancer Council for free educational tools and ideas to keep your kids sun-safe and smiling.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
