1. School Health
  2. Sun Safety

Sun Safety

Sun safety refers to the measures a person can take to be safe while outdoors in the sun. Everyone can (and should) practice sun safety.

This can include active precautions such as the use of sunscreen, or less direct ways like seeking shade to stay out of the sun’s rays. Schools can also have policies in place that target sun safety. 

Sunlight is the main source of ultraviolet radiation (UV) known to damage the skin and cause other health effects (e.g., sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage, premature skin aging, and sun poisoning). The amount of solar UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and the degree of sun protection an individual takes. Exposure to UV can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.

While the sun can produce harmful effects, staying inside isn’t the solution. Being outdoors has many health benefits, both physical and mental. Children should be encouraged to play outside, following sun safety measures to stay healthy. Learn more about the following topics UV Index, Sunscreen, and Sun Safety on our website.

To have fun outside, these sun safety guidelines can help keep you safe:

  • Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that cover most of the skin. Consider wearing a hat with a wide brim to cover the face, head, neck, and ears.

  • Wear close fitting/wrap-around sunglasses that have 100% UV protection.

  • Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours or according to the product’s directions. You may have to reapply more often if swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

  • Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. It is important to know that no sunscreen provides 100% protection. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.. Most adults need 2 to 3 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body; with 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to cover their face and neck.

  • Use sunscreen lip balm to protect your lips.

  • Limit time in the sun when the UV Index is 3 or higher, this is often between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

  • Find shade under a tree or bring your own shade using a large umbrella or pop-up cover(especially if you’re planning on being outdoors for an extended length of time).

  • In general, avoid getting a tan or a sunburn and avoid exposing yourself to UV rays to meet vitamin D needs (Ontario Sun Safety Working Group). Canadians can get Vitamin D from food and possibly supplements to get the recommended amount of vitamin D. If needed consult with your health care provider for support.

  • Stay Cool (to prevent heat-related illnesses) by drinking plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Indoor tanning (i.e., using tanning beds) is not healthy; the ultraviolet rays from the sun and indoor tanning devices are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). In Ontario, the use of tanning equipment is illegal for people under the age of 18. Using indoor tanning devices before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma (melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer) by 75%.

Compared to adults, children and youth are at a greater risk of suffering damage from exposure to UV radiation, with most of a person’s lifetime exposure occurring before age 18. Children also have potentially greater sun exposure, thinner and more sensitive skin, as well as eyes with a lower capability to filter UV radiation (School Health Guideline, 2018).

Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, school boards, parents, and community partners can work together to develop healthy school environments that promote and support student well-being. Schools play a large role in influencing outcomes for children and youth given the powerful influence that teacher support and peer networks have within the school setting. Sun Safety resources and supports are organized below following this framework.

Resources & Information for:

Resources

Lesson and Activities

  • Student council or student wellness council to actively participate in identifying school needs and activities to address those needs.
  • School Mental Health Ontario-Inspirational graffiti: Use sidewalk chalk in front of the school or schoolyard to create sun safety messages. Contact your school’s nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for sun safety resources that support key messages.

School Campaigns and Social Media

  • School Wellness Bulletin Board- Use the school bulletin board to post sun safety messages.
  • May is the start of the warm weather and a good time to be reminded of the importance of sun safety. Learn how to properly do a skin check and make it a routine.
  • National Sun Awareness Month: takes place in May. Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association website to learn more about the theme and key messages that is being promoted this year.
  • Canadian Cancer Society- SunSense Certification: A certification process for elementary schools. This certification acknowledges schools that have created a sun safe environment to protect their students and staff. It is a comprehensive approach that engages the full school community (e.g., students, staff, and parents) to create a sun-safe culture. By registering for SunSense schools gain access to downloadable tools and resources and the ability to order materials such as UV bracelets, posters, and postcards. Schools can choose to use the online tracking tool to track the actions completed, and this would be used to determine if they are awarded a certificate. If gaining a certificate is not an interest, school staff can simply just access the resources and not bother with tracking.
  • Canadian Partnership Against Cancer- Solar UVR protection: Provincial and territorial sun safety policies in schools: Provides a policy pack (supportive documents to create a policy) to guide regional actions.

Resources in the community

Other Supports and Resources

  • Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or by visiting their website.
  • Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
  • TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.

Resources in the community

Other Supports and Resources

  • Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or by visiting their website.
  • Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
  • TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.

  • Student council or student wellness council to actively participate in identifying school needs and activities to address those needs.
  • School Mental Health Ontario-Inspirational graffiti: Use sidewalk chalk in front of the school or schoolyard to create sun safety messages. Contact your school’s nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for sun safety resources that support key messages.

School Campaigns and Social Media

Resources in the community

Other Supports and Resources

  • Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or by visiting their website.
  • Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
  • TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.