Learning early to protect their skin
RHEA Halkidis knows that going out in the sun means slipping on some sunnies, slopping on some sunscreen and slapping on a hat.
The 10-year-old Edge Hill State School student said she wanted to be a role model for her little brother and sister.
“I always put on sunscreen and a hat so I don’t get burnt by the sun and so I can protect my skin,” she said.
“My mum asks me to put sunscreen on my little brother before we go to school.”
She said she had the technique for sunscreen application down pat.
“When I put on sunscreen I put it everywhere possible. I don’t miss a spot because I know it can affect your skin later in life,” she said.
“If I forget I’ll get some out of my bag at school and put it on at school.”
Cancer Council Queensland is calling on more parents and teachers to recognise the importance of teaching kids to be sunsmart.
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan said efforts had to be ramped up.
“Queensland schools need to ensure kids apply sun protection to prevent skin cancer later in life,” she said.
“We’re calling on all schools to revitalise their SunSmart status to help us protect Queensland’s next generation against the tragic toll that older Queenslanders have experienced as a result of preventable skin cancers.”
She said the practices developed in early years would carry through a child’s life.
“Children should slip on protective clothing, slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, slap on a broadbrimmed hat, seek shade and slide on wraparound sunnies when outdoors,” she said.
“Exposure to UV radiation not only causes sunburn, but can damage the eyes and lead to skin cancer later in life.
“While its promising that the majority of children wear hats outdoors, it’s equally important that children wear sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses where possible, and have access to adequate shade.”
Sun protection is required when the UV level is above three, which is year-round in Queensland. The UV index is expected to remain at 10 for the rest of the week in Cairns.