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.  SunSmart recognises the challenges in persuading adolescents to adopt sun protective behaviours.

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.

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. 

Schools that join the Secondary School UV Program receive:

  • an educational PowerPoint presentation for staff and parents about the UV policy and research that informs it
  • UV resources
  • regular information updates and reminders from Cancer Council Victoria.

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

UV Alert

For: Melbourne, 9 Feb

Sun Protection required: 9:50 am to 5:20 pm

Alert: 9

Other locations around Victoria

What is the UV Alert?

Also refer to:

  • The Dark side of tanning campaign aims to reach young people and to hit home about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while busting some common myths about skin cancer.
Slip on a Shirt Slop on Sunscreen Slap on a Hat Seek Shade Slide on some Sunglasses