Australia experiences some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, making sun protection education essential from early childhood. At our early learning centres, we’re committed to developing “Heat Safety Heroes”—young children who understand and practise sun protection behaviours that will protect their health throughout their lives. This commitment goes beyond policy compliance; it’s about nurturing lifelong habits that reduce skin cancer risk.
Why Sun Protection Matters in Early Childhood
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Over 95% of all skin cancers are directly related to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Critically, UV exposure during the first 18 years of life represents the most significant risk factor for developing skin cancer in later years.
Young children’s skin is particularly vulnerable. Infants and toddlers have more sensitive skin, making them especially susceptible to UV damage. Their bodies cannot easily adapt to changing temperatures, and they’re less likely to respond quickly to heat-affected surfaces. This vulnerability makes early childhood education and care settings crucial partners in sun protection.
Research consistently demonstrates that childhood sun exposure significantly increases skin cancer risk in adulthood. By actively reducing UV exposure during these formative years, we safeguard children’s health and wellbeing, ensuring healthier futures.
Understanding UV Radiation and Heat Safety
UV Index and Sun Protection Times
The UV Index measures the strength of UV radiation from the sun. According to Cancer Council NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology, sun protection is required whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above. In NSW:
- September to April: Sun protection required daily
- Peak danger times: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- UV Index 8+: Outdoor activities should be minimised
Even on cool or cloudy days, UV radiation can be damaging. It’s not temperature that determines sun protection needs—it’s the UV Index. This is a critical concept for children to understand: “Cool doesn’t mean safe from UV!”
Heat-Related Health Risks
Children are more susceptible to heat-related illness than adults because they:
- Cannot regulate body temperature as effectively
- Overheat and dehydrate more quickly
- Are less able to make choices to protect themselves
- Have a larger surface area relative to body mass
Heat-related illnesses include:
- Dehydration: Fewer wet nappies, darker urine, dry mouth, lethargy
- Heat exhaustion: Rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating
- Heat stroke: High body temperature, confusion, seizures (medical emergency)
The Five Sun Protection Steps: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
Cancer Council Australia promotes five key sun protection strategies. These form the foundation of our sun safety education:
1. Slip on Sun-Protective Clothing
What Children Learn:
- Clothing covers and protects skin
- Longer sleeves and collared shirts provide better protection
- Tightly woven fabrics work best
- Bright or dark colours typically offer more protection than white
Teaching Strategies:
- Dress dolls or stuffed animals in sun-safe clothing
- Play “sun-safe dress-up” games
- Create visual displays showing appropriate outdoor clothing
- Involve children in selecting their daily outdoor clothes
2. Slop on SPF 30+ Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
What Children Learn:
- Sunscreen protects skin from invisible UV rays
- We need lots of sunscreen—about one teaspoon per body part
- Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours
- Sunscreen application happens before going outside (20 minutes prior)
Teaching Strategies:
- Practice on dolls first to build comfort
- Use visual guides showing where to apply sunscreen
- Make application time fun with songs or games
- Celebrate children who remind others about sunscreen
- Teach the “teaspoon rule” using actual teaspoons as visual aids
3. Slap on a Broad-Brimmed or Legionnaire Hat
What Children Learn:
- Hats protect faces, necks, and ears
- Different hat styles provide different protection levels
- Hats are essential outdoor equipment, like shoes
- We wear hats whenever we go outside during sun protection times
Teaching Strategies:
- Have a special “hat check” ritual before outdoor play
- Create a visual hat chart showing different styles
- Celebrate “hat heroes” who remember their hats
- Make hat-wearing non-negotiable and consistent
4. Seek Shade
What Children Learn:
- Shade protects us from direct sun exposure
- Natural shade (trees) and artificial shade (sails, umbrellas) both help
- We can create our own shade with umbrellas
- Shaded play areas are still fun areas
Teaching Strategies:
- Designate special “shade zones” for different activities
- Play “shadow tag” or “shade games”
- Create treasure hunts in shaded areas
- Set up appealing activities in shaded spaces
- Talk about how animals seek shade during hot weather
5. Slide on Sunglasses
What Children Learn:
- Eyes need protection from UV too
- Sunglasses protect eyes just like hats protect heads
- Not all sunglasses provide UV protection—look for labels
- Wraparound styles provide best protection
Teaching Strategies:
- Provide appropriate-sized children’s sunglasses
- Make sunglasses part of outdoor dress-up play
- Model wearing sunglasses consistently
- Create “cool sunnies” displays
Age-Appropriate Sun Safety Activities
For Babies and Toddlers (0-2 years)
Consistent Routine: Babies and toddlers learn through routine. Create predictable sun safety sequences:
- Check UV Index on app
- Apply sunscreen together
- Put on hats
- Choose shaded play areas
Sensory Exploration:
- Touch different fabrics (sun-safe vs. not sun-safe)
- Feel warm and cool surfaces
- Explore shade and sunlight differences
- Play with toy umbrellas and shade structures
Language Development: Use simple, consistent language: “Hat on!” “Cream on!” “Find shade!” “Drink water!”
For Preschool Children (3-5 years)
Understanding Cause and Effect: Help children understand why sun protection matters:
- UV rays are invisible but can hurt skin
- Sunburn is uncomfortable and unhealthy
- Protecting skin now keeps it healthy forever
Interactive Learning:
- UV Bead Activities: Use UV-sensitive beads that change colour in sunlight. Test protection methods (sunscreen, shade, clothing)
- Shadow Science: Measure shadows at different times, discussing when they’re shortest (highest UV times)
- Thermometer Tests: Check surface temperatures on equipment, discussing safe and unsafe surfaces
- Sunscreen Painting: Practice “painting” dolls with white cream, seeing coverage
Dramatic Play:
- Create a “beach safety” dramatic play area
- Role-play being lifeguards who remind everyone about sun safety
- Pretend to be weather reporters announcing UV Index
- Play “Sun Safety Detectives” finding unprotected people (dolls/toys)
Stories and Songs:
- Read sun safety picture books
- Create original sun safety songs
- Learn “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” chants
- Act out sun safety stories
Creating a SunSmart Service
Policy and Planning
NSW early childhood services should implement comprehensive sun protection policies that include:
UV Monitoring:
- Daily UV Index checking using the free SunSmart Global UV app
- Documented decision-making about outdoor play timing
- Flexible scheduling that minimises peak UV exposure
Infrastructure:
- Adequate shade covering outdoor play areas
- Shade provision over fixed equipment
- Regular shade audits considering seasonal sun angles
- Natural shade through strategic tree planting
Equipment and Resources:
- SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen
- Storage ensuring sunscreen remains effective (cool, dry place)
- Regular checks of use-by dates
- Adequate supply of spare hats
- Age-appropriate sunglasses
Staff Training:
- Understanding UV Index and sun protection times
- Proper sunscreen application techniques
- Recognising heat-related illness symptoms
- Modelling sun-safe behaviours
Hot Surface Safety
Playground surfaces can cause serious burns in hot weather. Incidents reported to regulatory authorities show children burning feet on soft fall mats even during winter months in hot regions.
Prevention Strategies:
- Check surface temperatures before allowing outdoor play
- Test with your hand—if too hot for you, too hot for children
- Consider requiring shoes during peak heat
- Move shade structures throughout the day
- Wet down surfaces if appropriate
- Choose heat-resistant playground surfaces
Hydration and Heat Management
Staying Hydrated
Children need regular fluid intake during hot weather:
For Children 6 Months+:
- Offer water every 15-20 minutes during outdoor play
- Provide easy access to drinking water
- Encourage drinking before feeling thirsty
- Model drinking water regularly
For Babies Under 6 Months:
- Breastfed babies may need more frequent feeds
- Breast milk provides adequate hydration
- Extra water not necessary for exclusively breastfed infants
Heat Management Strategies
Indoor Environments:
- Use air-conditioning when available
- Employ fans (ensuring safety—out of reach, not pointed directly at babies)
- Close curtains and blinds during peak heat
- Create cross-ventilation when outside temperature drops
Outdoor Environments:
- Schedule outdoor play during cooler times
- Provide frequent rest breaks in shade
- Reduce activity intensity during extreme heat
- Move high-energy activities indoors during peak temperatures
Dress for Success:
- Light, loose, breathable clothing
- Light colours that reflect heat
- Natural fibres like cotton
- Remove unnecessary layers
Recognising Heat-Related Illness
Educators must recognise signs of heat-related illness:
Mild Dehydration:
- Fewer wet nappies
- Darker urine
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Lethargy
Heat Exhaustion:
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or faintness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Pale, cool skin
Heat Stroke (Emergency—Call 000):
- High body temperature (40°C+)
- Hot, red, dry skin
- Rapid pulse
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
First Aid Response:
- Move child to cool, shaded area
- Remove excess clothing
- Cool child with damp cloths
- Offer sips of water (if conscious)
- Call emergency services if severe
- Notify parents/guardians
Family Partnerships
Communicating Sun Safety
Help families understand and support sun safety:
Regular Communication:
- Share UV Index information daily
- Explain sun protection policy clearly
- Provide seasonal reminders
- Celebrate service sun safety achievements
Practical Resources:
- Sun safety information sheets
- Recommended sunscreen lists
- Hat selection guides
- Summer clothing suggestions
Home Extension:
- Encourage consistent sun protection at home
- Suggest family sun safety routines
- Promote use of SunSmart UV app
- Share simple sun safety activities for home
Connecting to EYLF
Sun safety education supports EYLF Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Specifically, children:
- Increasingly cooperate and work collaboratively with others (sun safety routines)
- Take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing (remembering hats, seeking shade)
- Show an increasing knowledge of and respect for natural environments (understanding sun and UV)
- Explore relationships with other living things (caring for skin health)
Building Lifelong Sun Protection Habits
When we teach young children about sun protection, we’re not just preventing sunburn today—we’re establishing habits that will protect them throughout their lives. Children who learn sun safety early:
- Make independent sun-safe choices as they grow
- Carry sun protection habits into adolescence and adulthood
- Understand the importance of protecting their own children
- Contribute to reducing Australia’s skin cancer rates
At our service, every child can become a Heat Safety Hero—someone who understands sun protection, practises safe behaviours, and encourages others to stay sun safe. Through consistent education, supportive environments, and strong family partnerships, we’re building a generation of Australians who value and protect their skin health.
Sources
NSW Government and Health Resources:
- NSW Department of Education – Sun Safety
https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/health-and-physical-care/sun-safety - NSW Department of Education – Hot Weather Risks for Children
https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/ecec-resource-library/hot-weather-risks-for-children - NSW Department of Education – Keeping Babies and Young Children Safe in Summer
https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/leadership/news/keeping-babies-and-young-children-safe-in-summer - NSW Health – Beat the Heat: Babies and Young Children
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/babies-children-hot-weather.aspx - NSW Health – Heat and Health Fact Sheet: Babies and Young Children
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/beat-the-heat-children.aspx - Cancer Council NSW – SunSmart Programme
https://www.sunsmartnsw.com.au/ - Cancer Council NSW – SunSmart Early Childhood
https://www.sunsmartnsw.com.au/early-childhood/ - Cancer Council Australia – SunSmart in Schools and Early Childhood
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sunsmart-in-schools - ACECQA – Sun Protection Policy Guidelines
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/
Protecting young children from UV exposure and heat-related illness is a shared responsibility. Contact us to learn more about our SunSmart practices and how we’re developing Heat Safety Heroes who will carry sun protection habits throughout their lives.