Young people's skin is thinner and more sensitive; it can be damaged more easily. Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life largely determines your child's lifetime potential for skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young people aged 12–24.
Children whose parents model sun protective behaviours are more likely to practice sun protection themselves. So remember the five steps to sun protection: Slip, Slop Slap, Seek, Slide and protect your family from skin cancer.
A baby's skin is extremely sensitive to UV. It can burn easily.
Download the brochure SunSmart Countdown [pdf 1.14M] for more information on protecting young children.
Download Sun protection for babies and toddlers [pdf 99K] for some great advice about the best ways to protect your preschoolers.
Popular questions from parents about sun protection for babies and toddlers.
Teenagers aren't great at protecting themselves. They worry about their image, feel covering up is a ‘hassle' and, most of the time, just forget.
Parental insistence and role modelling can improve their sun protection. They are also motivated by:
Here are some hints:
For: Melbourne, 13 Mar
Sun Protection required: 10:20 am to 4:40 pm
Alert: 7