Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70. This makes sun protection very important for all Australians.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. You can protect your child from the sun by teaching them to become SunSmart and always using sun protection when UV levels are 3 or higher. It is also important to model good sun protection habits, as children learn by observing their parents’ and caregivers’ behaviour. 

Sun protection times

UV radiation isn’t like the sun’s light or heat, which we can see and feel. Even on a cool day, UV can damage our skin without us realising, which is why it is important not to rely on temperature to decide whether sun protection is needed.

Check if sun protection is required before heading out (see the free SunSmart app or Bureau of Meteorology) – if the UV index is 3 (moderate) or higher, make sure your child’s skin is protected.

UV levels are usually 3 or higher from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria. UV levels are most intense during the middle of the day so if possible, try to save trips to the playground, park or beach for early morning and late afternoon. 

How to be SunSmart

Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide message is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Sun protection for dark skin

Although children with naturally dark skin (skin that rarely or never burns) are at lower risk of skin cancer than children with a fair skin colour, it is important to keep in mind that all sun exposure carries a risk of skin and eye damage and skin cancer. While some sun exposure is necessary for the production of vitamin D, extended and deliberate sun exposure without any form of sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above is not recommended, even for those diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. If you are concerned about your child’s vitamin D levels, or you think they are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, you should talk to your GP. See our fact sheet Vitamin D.

Sunscreen and babies

Babies under 12 months should not be exposed to direct sun when UV levels reach 3 or higher.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists does not recommend the widespread use of sunscreen on infants under six months. Protection such as shade, clothing and broad-brimmed hats are the best protection for infants, with sunscreen used on very small areas of skin.

Some parents worry about their child’s skin reacting to sunscreen. There are many sunscreens made for babies or toddlers that are gentle on sensitive skin. Test the sunscreen on a small area of your child’s skin to make sure they don’t have a reaction.

Sun protection in the snow

In the snow, there is a high risk of sun damage to exposed skin because UV levels can be a lot higher and you can be exposed to almost twice the dose of UV. This is because at high altitudes UV is more intense than at low altitudes, and the snow can reflect up to 90 per cent of UV radiation.

Make sure you apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours.

Treatment for sunburn

Children can get sunburnt in as little as ten minutes, and depending on the severity, it can take a few days or weeks to heal. Treatment aims to help your child feel more comfortable.

• Give your child plenty of water to drink so that they are well hydrated.
  
• Cool you child’s skin with cold compresses or a cool bath.
  
• If required, give your child simple pain relief medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  
• Prevent further UV damage by keeping your child indoors.

Signs of severe sunburn include blisters, swollen skin and severe pain. If your child has any of these signs, take them to see your GP.

Sometimes children can get heatstroke, along with sunburn. If your child’s sunburn is accompanied by fever, headaches or nausea and vomiting, take them to the GP.

Key points to remember

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. 
  
• Be a role model for your children and participate in sun protection behaviours so they are more willing to do the same.
  
• When the UV index is 3 or higher, make sure your child’s skin is protected.
  
• Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
  
• Babies under 12 months should not be exposed to direct sun when UV levels reach 3 or higher, and avoid the use of sunscreen on babies under six months old.

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Vitamin D
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Dehydration
• Dr Margie: Sunscreen and vitamin D: Getting the balance right
• The RCH National Child Health Poll:  Summer safety
• The RCH National Child Health Poll: Spotlight on Summer Safety
• Cancer Council Victoria: SunSmart Program
• Cancer Council Victoria: Sun protection for children
• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission: Sunglasses & fashion spectacles
• Australasian College of Dermatologists: Sun Protection & Sunscreens

Common questions our doctors are asked

Does my child need to wear sunscreen if it is sunny in the early morning or late afternoon? What about during sunny days in winter?

Sun protection is needed whenever UV levels are 3 and above which is usually from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria (not just the warmer months). Depending on the time of year, sun protection may be needed from early morning to late afternoon. Always use a combination of sun protection measures during the sun protection times and never rely on sunscreen alone.

Generally the UV levels in the early morning or late afternoon as not as high as the middle of the day so it is best to encourage play outside during these times. If the UV level is 2 or below, sunscreen and other sun protection measures are not usually needed unless in high altitudes, near highly reflective surfaces or outdoors for extended periods. 

However, whenever the UV level is above 3, your child should always be protected from the sun (with clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade) and wear sunscreen. So check the UV level rather than using the outside temperature, the season, or the time of day as a guide for whether your child needs sun protection.

When should my children start having regular skin checks for moles?

Children don’t need to have regular skin checks with a doctor or skin clinic. From late adolescence it is good practice for young people to begin monitoring their skin. For any changes or new spots, or if you are concerned about any specific moles on your child, see your GP.

Should I send my child to school with sunscreen?

On days that will have UV levels of 3 or higher you should make sure your child is wearing sunscreen when they go to school. It is a good idea for your child to take their own sunscreen to school so they can reapply it every two hours. Teachers are not expected to apply sunscreen; however, the Victorian Department of Education and Training does encourage schools to have a sun and UV protection policy in place, and encourages schools to join the SunSmart program, which specifies that sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day. 

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Community Information and Dermatology departments in consultation with Cancer Council Victoria. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed June 2019.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.