Australia is blessed with long summers, endless beaches, and blue skies — but it also comes with some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. This makes sun protection a year-round priority, not just a summertime concern. In fact, skin damage from the sun can occur in as little as 10 minutes on a high-UV day, even when the temperature feels mild or when skies are cloudy.

For children, the stakes are even higher. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults’, which means they burn faster and accumulate damage more quickly. Research shows that much of our lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence, and this damage adds up. Every sunburn increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers later in life.

Sun safety isn’t about taking the fun out of outdoor play — it’s about creating smart habits so children can enjoy the sunshine safely.

Understanding UV

One of the most common myths parents hold is that “hotter” days are automatically more dangerous. In reality, it’s not the temperature but the UV (ultraviolet) index that matters.

• UV Index 0–2: Low risk. Sun protection generally not required.
• UV Index 3–5: Moderate risk. Sun protection recommended.
• UV Index 6–7: High risk. Extra precautions needed.
• UV Index 8–10: Very high. Stay protected and seek shade.
• UV Index 11+: Extreme. Minimise time outdoors.

Even on cool or overcast days, UV levels can still be high. This is why checking the daily UV rating is more useful than glancing at the thermometer.

The Five SunSmart Steps

The Cancer Council’s SunSmart program outlines five easy-to-remember rules:

1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on sunscreen
3. Slap on a hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on sunglasses

Let’s break each one down with practical, parent-friendly tips.

1. Slip on Protective Clothing

Choose long-sleeved shirts, long shorts, and swimwear that cover as much skin as possible. Fabrics with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating provide the best defence. Rash vests are great for the pool or beach.

Practical tip: pack a “sun safety kit” with spare hats, long-sleeve tops, and a lightweight sarong or muslin cloth to drape over prams.

2. Slop on Sunscreen

Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should go on 20 minutes before outdoor play and be reapplied every two hours (or more often if swimming or sweating).

Make application fun: use a “dot to dot” game where kids join up sunscreen spots, or sing a short song to make sure enough time is spent rubbing it in.

3. Slap on a Hat

Broad-brimmed, bucket, or legionnaire-style hats offer the best protection, shading the face, ears, and neck. Caps aren’t enough — they leave the ears and sides of the face exposed.

Tip: Keep a few spare hats in the car or pram. If one gets lost or wet, there’s always a backup.

4. Seek Shade

Natural shade (trees, verandas) and portable shade (umbrellas, tents) help reduce UV exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am – 4 pm). Remember: shade reduces but doesn’t remove UV risk, so sunscreen and clothing are still essential.

At playgrounds, encourage breaks in shaded areas to rest, snack, and rehydrate.

5. Slide on Sunglasses

Children’s eyes are vulnerable to UV damage. Choose wraparound sunglasses with an Australian Standard label (AS/NZS 1067). If your child resists, start with soft, flexible designs or hats with built-in visors.

The Sun Safety Whiteboard

In many early learning centres, you’ll see a sun safety whiteboard at the entrance. It lists:

• Today’s UV rating
• Temperature and weather
• Outdoor play recommendations
• Emergency evacuation reminders

Parents can adopt the same idea at home — perhaps a chalkboard in the kitchen or a whiteboard by the back door. Children love checking the “sun forecast,” and it creates teachable moments about weather, science, and health.

Building Habits Through Routine

Children thrive on routine. By weaving sun safety into daily life, it becomes automatic:

• Morning ritual: Put on sunscreen before school, just like brushing teeth.
• Pack essentials: Keep sunscreen, hats, and water bottles by the door.
• Role modelling: Let kids see adults applying sunscreen and wearing hats too.

When families treat sun safety as non-negotiable, children grow up internalising these habits as normal — not as a chore.

Myths and Misconceptions

• “It’s cloudy, we’re fine.” UV passes through clouds, and some days UV is actually higher in overcast conditions.
• “We only need sunscreen at the beach.” Daily incidental exposure (walking to school, playing in the yard) adds up over years.
• “A tan is healthy.” Tanning is a sign of skin damage — the skin is literally trying to protect itself from harm.

Parents who bust these myths early help children develop realistic, lifelong attitudes toward sun exposure.

Making Sun Safety Child-Friendly

Children are more likely to cooperate when sun safety feels positive and playful:

• Personalised gear: Let kids choose hats or sunglasses they like.
• Games: Race to see who can apply sunscreen fastest (but properly!).
• Stories: Read picture books featuring sun-smart characters.
• Rewards: Praise children for remembering their hat or applying sunscreen themselves.

Engagement transforms resistance into empowerment.

Special Considerations for Babies

Babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin produces very little melanin, making them highly susceptible to damage. Use pram shades, lightweight long clothing, and hats. Sunscreen may be used sparingly on small exposed areas (check the label for age suitability).

School and Community Partnerships

Sun safety works best when it’s reinforced across settings:

• Schools and early learning centres often adopt “No hat, no play” policies.
• Community sport programs increasingly provide shade tents and encourage sunscreen use.
• Local councils invest in shaded playgrounds and awareness campaigns.

Parents can support these initiatives by encouraging consistency and speaking up when shade or sunscreen supplies are lacking.

Checklist for Parents

1. Check the UV index daily.
2. Apply SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going out.
3. Dress children in covering clothes and broad-brimmed hats.
4. Pack sunglasses and water bottles.
5. Prioritise shade and rest during peak UV hours.

The sun is part of our lifestyle, our culture, and our joy. It gives children Vitamin D, outdoor play opportunities, and a love of nature. But too much sun — especially unprotected exposure — leaves a lasting mark.

By embedding the five SunSmart steps into daily life, using tools like a sun safety whiteboard, and leading by example, parents empower children to enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently.

Sun safety isn’t about fear; it’s about balance. Protecting children today ensures they carry healthy, sun-smart habits into adulthood — living their lives outdoors, with confidence, for decades to come.

Read more here: https://cancerwa.asn.au/cancer-prevention/sunsmart/