E-12/P-12/7-12 schools

A healthy balance of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is important for health.

Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is known to be a major cause of skin cancer.  Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young people aged between 12 and 24. 

The sun's UV also helps with vitamin D production.  Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood and is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

SunSmart recognises the challenges in persuading adolescents to adopt sun protective behaviours. The Secondary School UV Program has been specifically developed for Victorian schools that have secondary students. We encourage all E–12, P–12 and 7–12 schools to join. It will help leadership teams establish realistic and achievable UV strategies for their whole school community. The program is free. 

Secondary School UV Program:

• Download a sample UV policy for E-12, P-12 and 7-12 schools
• Download the booklet Secondary Schools UV Protection Program booklet [pdf 649K] for information about joining the program
• Download the Secondary Schools UV Program membership application form [pdf 108K] with a sample policy.

Other resources

• Lesson ideas for P-6
• Lesson ideas for 7-12
• Generation SunSmart: Fun, interactive sun protection modules for teachers, school nurses, early childhood educators and Year 6 to 9 students
• SunSmart Millionaire: How SunSmart are you? An innovative game-based resources for Year 5 to 7 students that promotes the science behind the SunSmart message
• Dark Side of Tanning: Campaign aimed at young people which busts some common myths about skin cancer
• National skin cancer awareness campaign: Campaign aimed at young people highlighting the severe consequences of sun exposure.

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