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Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2023– Creating Sun Safe Schools!
210,000 cases of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is rising faster than any other cancer with 44 new cases every day. According to Cancer Research UK 1 in 34 UK males and 1 in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime, and it’s now one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.
We want to do something about this, but creating greater shaded space in schools is only part of the battle. An awareness of the risks relating to the particular sensitivity of young skin to sun damage and practical steps that should be taken to mitigate these risks is critical. This is why for Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2023, we are amplifying UK charity Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools message across our channels to help more schools become sun safe.
Skcin’s mission is to reverse the soaring rates of skin cancer for our future generations by educating and raising awareness on the subject of sun safety and the early detection of skin cancers in order to save lives. In schools they aim to plant the seeds of sun safety in primary education and in the hearts of communities nationwide through Sun Safe Schools.
Around 90% of skin cancers can be avoided by adopting simple sun safe strategies and our schools play a key part in creating these lifelong and potentially lifesaving habits. For Sun Awareness Week we have created a FREE guide to help your school implement a sun safe strategy.
Take action to protect your pupils by following these five rules for sun safety:
1) Clothing
Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun and should be considered the first line of defence. Check that your school’s uniform policy includes clothing that covers shoulders, but ideally as much skin as possible.
Tip! A closer weave fabric will provide better protection. A high UPF rated fabric provides best protection.
2) Sunscreen
Ensure that students have access to a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor of (SPF) 30 or above. Make sure it’s broad-spectrum and carries a UVA symbol (ideally labelled minimum 4 star). Apply a generous amount to clean, dry, exposed skin 20 minutes before going outdoors. Regardless of the instructions all sunscreens should be re-applied at least every 2 hours. An SPF 30+ lip balm will also protect lips while outside.
Tip! Many schools have installed sunscreen dispensers!
3) Sun Hat
Sun hats with a wide brim shades the face, neck, ears and cheeks. A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection.
Tip! Include a hat in your official school uniform.
4) Sunglasses
Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes, so encourage pupils to wear quality sunglasses. Look for the European CE mark, which indicates a safe level of protection.
Tip! Some schools have created a borrow and return scheme for sunglasses.
5) Shade
Shade can provide a great barrier between our skin and the sun. Pupils and teachers should be encouraged to spend time in the shade during breaks, lunches and while playing sport, particularly during peak UV hours 11am-3pm. Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times.
Tip! Consider installing UV blocking canopies on playgrounds, mutli-use games areas and over external dining areas to create external sun safe spaces.
Click here to download the guide in PDF format
Under the new PHSE curriculum, English primary schools now have a statutory obligation to teach children about safe and unsafe exposure to the sun and how to reduce the risk of sun damage including skin cancer. Sun Safe Schools has developed a sun safe national accreditation programme for primary schools and nurseries to help schools become sun safe.
Click here to sign up to Sun Safe School’s FREE accreditation programme
There are also a number of free resources available to schools to help educate students and mitigate the risks associated with time spent in the sun.
Educational resources
Sun Safe Schools has created a free educational resource bank offering a range of fun and engaging, curriculum linked learning for primary school children of all ages and abilities. Their mission is to develop children’s understanding of the benefits and dangers of the sun, to influence behaviours and encourage the development of healthy lifestyle choices. Access this resource here.
Check the UV forecast
You can check the UV forecast and read the recommendations for staying safe when outside.
Get Vitamin D advice
Exposure to UVB radiation is the most efficient way for our bodies to boost our Vitamin D supply. So, whilst some sun is definitely good for us, over exposure is a serious health risk, it is therefore extremely important to strike the right balance. Find out more here.
Versatile canopy structures are highly effective in the protection of students from sun damage year-round. Covered outside spaces create a shield barrier for large numbers of students at once, encouraging them into the shade on sunny days.
All Streetspace canopies and shelters are designed with cover systems that protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimise the risk of sunburn for pupils and staff whether specified as polycarbonate, PVC tensile membrane or shade mesh fabric.
Where the primary objective for a covered space is shade and UV protection, the ORION Hypar Shade Sail is a cost-effective and visually appealing choice. With a wide range of vibrant colours available, sails can be grouped together to create a stunning design theme.
Our expert advisors are happy to help with your plans to create new shaded space for play, sport, dining and outdoor learning, advising on options to suit budget and capacity.
Email us at enquiries@streetspacestructures.co.uk or call us on 08450750760.