Sun safety refers to actions a person can take to be safe while outdoors in the sun. Everyone can (and should) practice sun safety.
Sun safety includes the use of sunscreen or seeking shade to stay out of the sun’s rays. Schools can also create policies that target sun safety.
Sunlight is the main source of ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can harm your skin and eyes They can cause sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage, early aging of the skin, and even sun poisoning.
Even though too much sun can be harmful, staying indoors all the time is not the answer. Being outside is important for both your body and your mind. Children should be encouraged to play outside, while using good sun safety habits. Stay Cool to prevent heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. To learn more, visit our website for information on the UV Index, sunscreen, and sun safety.
Using indoor tanning beds is not safe. The UV rays from the tanning beds can cause cancer. In Ontario, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to use tanning beds. Using tanning beds before age 35 greatly increases your risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Children and teens are more at risk from UV rays than adults. Most people get a lot of their sun exposure before the age of 18. Kids often spend more time outside, and their skin is thinner and more sensitive. Their eyes also do not protect as well from UV rays, which can lead to more damage.
Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, school boards, parents, and community partners can work together to develop healthy school environments that promote and support student well-being. Schools play a large role in influencing outcomes for children and youth given the powerful influence that teacher support and peer networks have within the school setting. Sun Safety resources and supports are organized below following this framework.
Resources & Information for:
Resources
- Government of Canada-Sun safety basics: Find posters, safety tips for parents, and links to heat health concerns on this webpage.
- Canadian Cancer Society- Be sun safe: Pointers on how to enjoy the sun safely.
- Tanning is Out: A 2:43 min video featuring youth providing no tan is a safe tan messaging.
- Canadian Dermatology Association- Sun Safe Play Everyday!: A short, video that highlights a young boy singing about ways to play safely in the sun.
- WECHU- Sun Safety Factsheets: These are available for you to print or request copies from your School Nurse. The 6 topics covered are Sunscreen, Children, Outdoor Sports, and Recreation, Outdoor Workers, Sun Tanning/ Indoor Tanning, and Winter. All are available in English, French, and Arabic.
- Enjoy the Sun Safely: A bilingual tri-folded brochure created to support key messages on sun safety.
Lesson and Activities
- Canadian Dermatology Association- Free Printable resources: Posters, tips, and activity sheets.
- Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation – resources and lesson plans for Grades 5 and 6.
- Ophea- Celebrate Summer:- A lesson plan for grade 2 that supports building awareness of sun safety and related skills. Note to access resources one must set up an account.
- Enhancing Safe and Positive Behaviour: sun safety lesson plans for grade 2
- Canadian Cancer Society- SunSense Certification: Register for this certification to gain access to lesson plans.
- Healthy Schools Recognition Program: Gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. Contact your school nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for more information on how they can support your school with the Healthy Schools Recognition Program.
Empower student groups, such as student council or student wellness council to actively participate in identifying school needs and develop activities to address those needs.
- School Mental Health Ontario-Inspirational graffiti: Use sidewalk chalk in front of the school or schoolyard to create sun safety messages. Contact your school’s nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for sun safety resources that support key messages.
School Campaigns and Social Media
- Students can plan a school-wide campaign to acknowledge National Sun Awareness Month.
- School Wellness Bulletin Board- Use the school bulletin board to post sun safety messages.
- May is the start of the warm weather and a good time to be reminded of the importance of sun safety. Learn how to properly do a skin check and make it a routine.
- National Sun Awareness Month: takes place in May. Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association website to learn more about the theme and key messages that is being promoted this year.
- Canadian Cancer Society- SunSense Certification: A certification process for childcare centres and elementary schools. This certification acknowledges schools that have created a sun safe environment to protect their students and staff. It is a comprehensive approach that engages the full school community (e.g., students, staff, and parents) to create a sun-safe culture. By registering for SunSense schools gain access to downloadable tools and resources to support the creation of sun safe environments that protect children from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Resources in the community
- Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex: Offering services to youth and young adults and if needed, can help transition to specialized care.
- Kids Help Phone: Offers a webpage to build some understanding/skills, such as this article Dealing with an illness: How to Cope. Provided is also the opportunity to work with a counsellor if support is needed.
- Canadian Dermatology Association- Find a Dermatologist: A tool to help you find a Dermatologist near you.
Other Supports and Resources
- Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 711) or by visiting their website.
- Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
- Check your skin – gives tips for checking your skin for skin cancer.
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.
Resources in the community
- Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex: Offering services to youth and young adults and if needed, can help transition to specialized care.
- Kids Help Phone: Offers a webpage to build some understanding/skills, such as this article Dealing with an illness: How to Cope. Provided is also the opportunity to work with a counsellor if support is needed.
- Canadian Dermatology Association- Find a Dermatologist: A tool to help you find a Dermatologist near you.
Other Supports and Resources
- Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 711) or by visiting their website.
- Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
- Check your skin – gives tips for checking your skin for skin cancer.
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.
Empower student groups, such as student council or student wellness council to actively participate in identifying school needs and develop activities to address those needs.
- School Mental Health Ontario-Inspirational graffiti: Use sidewalk chalk in front of the school or schoolyard to create sun safety messages. Contact your school’s nurse at 519-258-2146 x 1555 for sun safety resources that support key messages.
School Campaigns and Social Media
- Students can plan a school-wide campaign to acknowledge National Sun Awareness Month.
Resources in the community
- Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex: Offering services to youth and young adults and if needed, can help transition to specialized care.
- Kids Help Phone: Offers a webpage to build some understanding/skills, such as this article Dealing with an illness: How to Cope. Provided is also the opportunity to work with a counsellor if support is needed.
- Canadian Dermatology Association- Find a Dermatologist: A tool to help you find a Dermatologist near you.
Other Supports and Resources
- Health811: Health advice from registered nurses by calling 811 (TTY: 711) or by visiting their website.
- Cancer Care Ontario- Melanoma My CancerIQ: Completing this short assessment gives you a personalized action plan that can be discussed with your health care provider.
- Check your skin – gives tips for checking your skin for skin cancer.
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant (French): Applications are accepted year-round for environmental education programs, including green spaces. Shade that is either structures or trees is important to have in schoolyards to protect children when they are outdoors.