Staying Sun-Safe at School
When it's time to get ready to go back to school, there's a lot to think about as a parent, school supplies, scheduling, after-school daycare, and activities. And don't forget about keeping your little ones safe and covered from the sun when they're out and about. Today, UV Skinz goes over how to keep your kids sun-safe when they go back to school this year.
Why It's Important to Keep Your Kids Safe from the Sun at School
Summer is ending, backpacks are stocked with the school supplies needed for a successful year, and kids are flocking back to school. It’s important to have a game plan to keep kids sun-safe once they head back to the classroom as they spend so much time outdoors.
They’re spending up to 8 hours a day at school with lots of time on hot playgrounds, outdoors in physical education (PE) class, and standing in line outside of classrooms.
Sun Safety Tips for Kids at School
Develop Year Round Sun Protection Habits
The number 1 safety tip for keeping your little one safe from the sun at school is to develop solid year-round sun protection habits. Helping your kids establish good habits around applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing when they’re young lowers the risk of skin cancer later in life – that’s a big deal!
Remember that even just one blistering sunburn as a child can double a person’s chance of developing skin cancer as an adult. One burn is too many. So we’ve got to let them know that sun safety doesn’t stop at the end of Summer.
Add Putting Sunscreen on Into Your Kid's Morning Routine
Make it part of your kids’ morning bathroom routine to apply sunscreen before leaving the house. Add it to their checklist – brush teeth, use deodorant, and then apply sunscreen.
Most elementary schools have their recesses between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. Instruct your child to re-apply their sunscreen before recess and have them ask for a pass to the bathroom and have them use the mirror to make sure they don’t miss a spot.
Encourage Play Time in the Shade
You should also encourage your child to play in the shade at recess and ask schools to put up shade structures if you notice that your school is particularly exposed to the sun.
Lead by Example and Wear Sunscreen and UPF Clothing
Most importantly lead by example and protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and UPF swimwear and clothing. If your child sees you applying sunscreen during your morning routine and putting on a UPF shirt, they will know you mean business when you have them do it too.
Have Sunscreen and UPF Clothing for Them On Hand to Make Your Sun Safety Plan Easy to Follow
Let’s face it, life gets busy when we’re all heading into new Fall routines. Plan ahead by packing sunscreen and UPF clothing for your kids. Here are some UPF clothing ideas:
A wide-brimmed hat that will protect your child’s face, neck, and ears. A UV protective hat can block out 98% of the sun’s UV rays and protect your kiddo’s delicate scalp.
UV Skin's Sunny Flap Bucket Hat comes in bright colors that will go perfectly with anything and they’re certified UPF 50+. Bonus – get one in your school’s colors for Spirit Days!
Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 that’s easy for your child to reapply on her own. Send in an extra for the teacher to keep at his/her desk. Easy-to-apply sticks fit into a backpack without the worry of making a mess.
The MD Solar Science Mineral Sunscreen Stick is SPF 40 and contains naturally derived Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen protection. Bonus – this one is water-resistant and won’t run into their eyes.
UV protective clothing for every day, especially field trips when your child might be outside for many hours. UV Skinz's UPF clothing comes in so many unique colors and prints that your kids will love pairing with their favorite skirts or shorts.
Shirts that are lightweight and breathable will keep your kiddo cool and comfortable all day and lead seamlessly right into Fall. We love our sun- protective jackets and hoodies that work overtime on the playground and the sun-protective boy’s pants that keep them cool and dry quickly for those recess-to-classroom transitions. Bonus – these sun-safe clothes are perfect for the multi-sport athlete!
Get Your School on Board with Your Sun Safety Plan
The safety of their students is the #1 priority at any school. Keeping kids safe from the dangers of the sun should be a part of that agenda. Some districts have legislation that allows children to bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to school while others limit such actions.
If your school doesn’t take your child’s sun safety seriously The Skin Cancer Foundation has a form you can print out and have your child’s doctor sign called the Sun Protection Authorization Form. It’s a perfect way to be an advocate for your child’s sun safety and to educate your school on the importance of skin cancer prevention.
You can also find out how to create a Sun Safety Committee if your school doesn’t have one. These are very good resources and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
If you have any tips on how you encourage your child to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, or wear UV-protective clothing, leave a comment here or on our Facebook page! We love seeing photos and sharing them with families who are living sun-safe lives.
