Schools & early childhood

Group of school children wearing sun protective school uniforms
Image courtesy of Herald Sun

We all want our students and early childhood community to be able to learn and play outdoors, but as educators we need to support children and families to know the risk of UV.

By teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age and implementing sun protection measures, schools and early childhood services can play a significant role in reducing skin cancer risk.

Reducing skin cancer risk

UV exposure during childhood has a big impact on skin cancer risk – but it’s almost entirely preventable with good UV protection.

SunSmart recommends early childhood services and schools develop and implement a comprehensive, evidence-informed UV protection policy to reduce UV exposure and encourage the use of all five forms of sun protection

In Victoria, 97% of early childhood services and 90% of primary schools have a written sun protection policy, with research showing they have the greatest number of children and staff protecting themselves from the sun.

Become a SunSmart member

Our SunSmart members see significant improvements in the quality of policies and strategies designed to reduce UV exposure and increase sun protection.

Free SunSmart memberships are available to all Victorian childcare, family day care, preschools and schools – apply and join today.

Join the SunSmart program

We reach over 695,000 Victorian children and their families through the iconic SunSmart membership program.

Renew your SunSmart membership

Renew your membership every five years to stay up to date with your policies and practices.

SunSmart sample policies

A SunSmart policy provides clear, evidence-based guidelines that help to minimise UV exposure and skin cancer risk.

Early childhood resources

View our resources developed to help early childhood services be SunSmart.

Primary school resources

View our resources developed to help primary schools be SunSmart.

Secondary school resources

View our resources developed to help secondary schools be SunSmart.

Teacher requests and feedback

Are you looking for support and assistance with SunSmart resources or services or looking to provide feedback and suggestions?