Catchy update of classic jingle with a message for young families: ‘You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart’
SunSmart is today releasing a modern makeover of its iconic jingle aimed at early childhood services and young families.
The new song, ‘You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart’ is performed by beloved children’s entertainer Jay Laga’aia, well-known for his roles on Playschool and Home and Away. The song features the important ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ message alongside its additions to Seek (shade) and Slide (on sunglasses), and emphasises the importance of using all five sun protection measures together for healthy outdoor play.
The 225,000 Victorian children attending SunSmart early childhood services are among the first to hear the new tune, with hopes it will become a catchy call-to-action to get more services involved in the program, and to engage young families in the life-saving message.
SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program Co-ordinator Justine Osborne said it was important for new and existing services to keep SunSmart on the agenda.
“Not only do most children attend early childhood services during peak UV times, they’re also at a time in their life when UV damage is most significant for determining future skin cancer risk,” Ms Osborne said.
“Because of this, it’s really important that early childhood services are making sun protection part of their daily routine. A SunSmart member sign at the front gate shows families that a service is committed to this important health issue.”
Ms Osborne said ‘You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart’ would be a fun way to refresh the message for young families.
“We know the powerful effect that early education can have, as we’re seeing falling melanoma rates in those aged under 40 years who grew up with the original ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ campaign,” Ms Osborne said.
“Now that the SunSmart generation is growing up and having children of their own, we want to make sure the message is being passed down.”
Jay, who co-wrote the song with Mark Walmsley, said he was excited for families to hear the ‘You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart’.
“We had great fun doing this fresh take of the iconic SunSmart song,” he said.
“As a dad myself, I know how important it is to protect our children from sun damage. This new song should have the kids dancing and singing along with Sid to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide!”
The new song is available on the SunSmart YouTube Channel.
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