Catching rays: A call for sun safety in schools

Despite the ever-present drizzle, skin cancer remains a pressing concern in the UK, with one in six Britons facing the risk. Shockingly, severe sunburn during childhood more than doubles the likelihood of skin cancer later in life. However, recent research uncovered that only 39% of responding schools had a formal sun safety policy, underscoring a significant gap in sun protection measures within primary schools

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on The Conversation

With skin cancer rates climbing by 8% each year in England and Wales, it’s an issue that can’t be brushed aside. In fact, skin cancer now accounts for half of all cancer cases, costing England a staggering £180 million in treatment in 2020 alone.

The bright side

The good news? Around 90% of skin cancers stem from UV radiation exposure, which means they’re preventable. Yet, many Britons underestimate the link between sunburn and skin cancer. Research highlights disparities in awareness, with men, low-income individuals, and people of colour being particularly at risk.

Schooling sun safety

Teaching kids about sun protection early on could be a game-changer in curbing future skin cancer rates. The World Health Organisation backs school programmes as a crucial prevention tool, and studies show that school-based interventions can positively impact sun-safe knowledge and behaviour.

While England mandates sun safety education in primary schools, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales lag behind. A recent survey of Welsh primary schools revealed that only 39% have a formal sun safety policy, with disadvantaged schools less likely to have one.

What schools need

When asked, schools cited assistance with policy development and teaching resources as key motivators for creating sun safety policies. While charities like Cancer Research UK and Tenovus Cancer Care have offered support in the past, this aid is no longer readily available.

With UV levels set to rise, it’s high time for schools to take sun protection seriously. Formal sun safety policies clarify responsibilities for everyone involved, from school leaders to pupils. Making sun safety policies mandatory across the UK could be a game-changer, but schools need adequate support to make it happen.