New Zealand is one of the sunniest countries in the world, with levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that rival Australia and parts of Africa. In fact, New Zealand has the highest melanoma death rate globally, with more than 6,000 cases diagnosed, and nearly 300 Kiwis losing their lives to this preventable cancer each year. This makes sun safety particularly important – especially for young children whose skin is more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation.
UV radiation damage is cumulative; meaning the more UV exposure we have over our lifetimes, the higher our risk of developing skin cancer later on. In fact, more than 90% of melanoma cases in New Zealand are caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. Research has shown that the damage done to the skin in childhood and adolescence can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
As early childhood educators, it's our responsibility to teach young children about sun safety and create an environment where they can play, learn, and grow without the risk of sunburn or long-term skin damage.
Teaching children about sun safety from an early age is not only about preventing immediate harm like sunburn, but also about establishing lifelong habits that protect their skin as they grow. By fostering an understanding of the importance of sun protection early on, children are more likely to continue these practices into adulthood.
Practical Steps for Sun Safety in ECE Centres
While no statutory law mandates sun safety policies in early childhood education centres, educators and parents have a responsibility to manage the health and safety of children in our care. And with sun protection, we can make a significant difference in preventing skin cancer in the generations to come.
Having a clear Sun Safety Policy that all Kaiako, whānau and other staff are aware of and understand is crucial, outlining steps to ensure sun safety for all. For an example of this or a policy you might like to utilise in your centre, check out our Te Kete Policies and Procedures tab in our Te Kete Aronui Subscription.
Create a Sun Smart Environment
Shade is Key: Ensure there are plenty of shaded areas in the outdoor play spaces, such as trees, shade sails, or covered play areas. Plan outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, in shaded spaces to avoid the peak sun hours when UV levels are the highest. Ensure babies and infants, who have particularly fragile skin, are well protected in shaded areas, particularly as sunscreen is not recommended for children under the age of 6 months.
Hats, Hats, Hats: Encourage children to wear hats with wide brims (minimum 7.5 cm for legionnaire hats and 6 cm for bucket hats). This provides vital protection for the face, neck, and ears, which are more susceptible to sunburn.
Sunscreen: Provide broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, water play or sweating.
Sun Smart Clothing: Encourage the wearing of loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Shirts with collars and long sleeves, as well as knee-length or longer shorts, provide excellent protection from UV rays. Rash vests should be worn during water play to protect young skin from direct sun exposure.
In New Zealand, where UV levels can be high even on cloudy or cool days through spring and autumn, it’s vital to be vigilant about sun protection year-round. Encouraging the use of wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen all year – not just in summer – ensures children are consistently protected.
Role Model Sun Smart Behaviours
Children learn by watching the adults around them, so it’s crucial that educators lead by example. Staff should wear appropriate sun protection, including hats, protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, when outdoors with the children. When the children see their role models taking care of their skin, they are more likely to adopt these habits themselves.
Teach Sun Safety Through Play and Learning
Early childhood education centres can integrate sun safety into daily activities and learning programmes. Free resources, like those provided by the Cancer Society’s SunSmart programme, offer fun and interactive ways to teach children about the harmful effects of UV radiation and the importance of sun protection. Learning through play helps children understand why they need to slip, slop, slap, and wrap; making these safety measures part of their everyday routine.
Educating Families and Communities
Sun safety doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It's important to involve families in the process by providing them with information on sun protection practices, your centre’s sun safety policy, and the importance of teaching children these habits at home.
Share tips on sun protection through newsletters, parent meetings, and noticeboards. Offer easy-to-understand guidance on how to dress children appropriately for sun safety, and remind parents to apply sunscreen before children leave for school or childcare.
A Sun Safe Future Starts Now
By teaching children about the importance of sun protection and creating a sun smart environment in early childhood education centres, we equip them with the tools they need to protect themselves against the harmful effects of UV radiation. In a country with such high rates of melanoma, it is essential to start sun safety education young and to make it a part of every child’s routine.
Together, we can help ensure that New Zealand’s next generation grows up with a greater awareness of how to stay safe in the sun, ultimately reducing the risk of skin cancer in the future, ensuring a greater tomorrow, today.
Remember: Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap — because sun safety is a lifelong commitment.
Want to learn more? Check out the Cancer Society’s professional development module for Early Childhood Education staff.