Everyday Sun Protection Tips for Kids

Teaching your kids about the importance of sun protection can have a major impact on their life. Use our helpful tips to keep them safe from the sun year round.

UV Skinz Team

February 20, 2019

Did you know that just one blistering sunburn during childhood can double your chances of developing skin cancer or melanoma later in life? We know that protecting your children from preventable diseases is important. So, how do we show our children the benefits of good sun-safe habits?

Healthy sun protection habits need to be taught, practiced and modeled in order for children to learn and grow up with knowledge about how to protect themselves from skin cancer.

We have a few tips on how you can incorporate sun-safe habits into your everyday life.

Sun Protection Tips for Kids

From an early age and well into the teen years help your kids become aware of UV sun safety by encouraging them to pause and assess their surroundings before going outdoors. Here are some helpful tips to keep your kids safe from UV rays:

Limit Play Time During Peak Hours of the Day When the Sun’s UV Rays Are the Strongest (10am-4pm)

A fun way to check the intensity of the UV rays is to check your shadow! Take a quick step outside and follow this rule, “Short shadow? Seek the shade.” When their shadow is shorter than their height the sun’s UV rays are more likely to cause a sunburn. Use this rule to begin the conversation about what it means to get a sunburn, why it’s harmful to our skin and what they could do to prevent them.

Talk to Your Kids Openly and Honestly About Sun Protection

Too much sun (especially unprotected) can hurt your skin now and cause problems in the future. Don’t underestimate their ability to understand the importance of sun protection while they’re young. Show them pictures of what can happen (premature aging, skin problems, etc.)

Create Sun-Safe Habits Early On

Tell your kids about the importance of sun protection early on so they remember to take care of their skin even when you aren't around.

Set a Good Example for Them

Follow your own sun-safe routine everyday and your children will follow your lead. Be consistent, creative and inventive! If you ask your child to wear sunscreen, a hat or uv-protective clothing then make sure you’re doing the same.

When you’re out having an outdoor adventure; make or seek the shade. Find a tree to relax under or bring an umbrella or portable tent along with you.

Create a Travel Sun Protection Kit

Make sure that your kit includes all of your sun protection essentials:

Re-Apply Sunscreen Often

This is especially true after you sweat or get wet. For a while it will be up to you as the caregiver to remind your child when it’s time to re-apply their sunscreen, but over time they will learn “when they sweat or get wet” that more sunscreen is needed (Remember to always follow your sunscreen package instructions).

Enjoy!

One last tip is to have fun in the sun! We know that a daily dose of sun is beneficial to our mental health. Don’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors, but if you are outside longer than 15 minutes then protect your skin.

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