National SunSmart Schools Program
Since 1999 the National SunSmart Schools Program has been awarding SunSmart status to all ACT Primary Schools whom have developed and implemented a comprehensive sun protection policy that meets minimal national SunSmart standards. The program is aimed toward reducing the amount of time school students are directly exposure to harmful solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Achieving this will reduce the incidents of sunburn and ultimately reduce the long term incidence rates of skin cancer and eye damage in the ACT. Correct sun protection practices not only reduces a child’s risk of skin and eye damage but it also ensures they obtain enough vitamin D from the sun to allow for healthy bone development and maintenance.
Why become a SunSmart School?
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. With their sensitive skin, young children are at particular risk of sunburn and skin damage. Research reveals that sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a risk factor for skin cancer later in life. Research shows that schools with a comprehensive sun protection policy in place have the greatest number of students and staff protecting themselves from solar ultrviolet radiation.
Schools are the key to prevention
Schools can reduce students' solar ultraviolet radiation exposure and risk of skin cancer because:
- students are at school when UV radiation levels are at their highest (10am-3pm)
- schools are an appropriate place to teach and promote healthy behaviours
- schools, in partnership with families and their communities, can help reduce UV radiation exposure and change behaviour through policy, education and role modelling.
Duty of care
Schools have a responsibility to implement skin cancer prevention strategies for student and staff health. The ACT Department of Education and Training encourages all ACT primary schools to join the National SunSmart Schools program.
Students: Duty of care refers to the need to protect students against foreseeable harm. Sunburn is a foreseeable outcome of over-exposure to solar UV radiation.
Sun exposure in the first 18 years of life contributes significantly to the lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Legal action has occurred in some states because students were sunburnt during all-day events and excursions.
Staff: Exposure to UV radiation is an accepted occupational health and safety Act hazard for people who spend all or part of their working days outside.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Similarly, workers have a responsibility to adopt protective measures introduced by their employer.
Teachers and staff may also be able to claim sun protection related expenses on their income tax. For more information contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 2861(employees) or 132866 (for businesses) or visit www.ato.gov.au
SunSmart schools demonstrate to the wider community that they are committed toward skin cancer prevention and awareness. School also remain updated on current sun protection behaviors and strategies. SunSmart schools can rest assured they have the most updated and effective sun protection policy in place.
Achieving a SunSmart status will entitle your school to:
- A metal SunSmart sign
- SunSmart Newsletters
- A SunSmart certificate
- Special offers and promotions
- Advice and recommendations on policy development
- Access to resources and posters
- SunSmart policy and practices reviewed every 3 years
- A sample media release
- Piece of mind that your school is doing all it can to protect the students in its care
Become a SunSmart school today
STEP 1
Download the National SunSmart Schools Program Application Form and Agreement. Complete this and return to the Cancer Council ACT WITH a copy of your school’s current sun protection policy. If you are having difficulty developing a comprehensive sun protection policy for your school then you should download the Primary School Sun Protection Sample Policy and Checklist.
(Schools interested in joining the program should also contact The Cancer Council for their FREE copy of Being SunSmart – A guide for primary schools).
STEP 2
Once you have returned your SunSmart application, agreement and policy, The Cancer Council will review your application and policy and forward your school a letter outlining any recommendations that will bring your policy up to meet national SunSmart standards.
STEP 3
Now- the trick here is to update your policy sooner rather then later. This can be achieved by following the recommendations you would have received from The Cancer Council. Please note that it is typical for most schools to return their sun protection policy 2 or 3 times before it meets national standards. By doing this we can be sure that your school will have the most comprehensive and up to date policy in place.
STEP 4
Once your school has been awarded a SunSmart status, you may be required to pick your SunSmart sign and certificate up from the Cancer Council’s office- otherwise a SunSmart representative may drop your sign and certificate of at your school. Your school will be required to pay a one off joining fee of $35, an invoice will be sent to the school.
STEP 5
Now your school has been awarded a national SunSmart status- The Cancer Council recommends you promote your new policy and commitment amongst students, staff, parents and carers. It is very important that everyone associated with your school is aware of your new policy and understands that your school is serious about promoting positive sun protection behavior and attitudes. You may chose to launch your new sun protection policy at a special school assembly or even launch a local media release.
So, what now?
Your school will then be added to The Cancer Council’s SunSmart School’s database. Your school will also be expected to take part in a SunSmart Policy Review every 3 years. This is an important part of the National SunSmart Schools Program as it allows your school to report on any strategies that may or may not be working well, it is also allows an opportunity to comment on any future plans your school may have toward promoting skin cancer prevention and awareness. It is also a great time to update your policy if neccesary.
Resources avaliable
The Cancer Council ACT has a range of resources available to assist primary schools in developing and implementing sun protection policies, practices and educational programs. Most resources are available FREE of charge to schools with a SunSmart status, schools that are not part of the SunSmart Program can purchase or loan resources. View resource list
SunSmart Newsletters
 Winter 2008
Summer 2007
Autumn/Winter 2007
National SunSmart Schools Program Database (ACT)
With roughly 100 primary schools throughout the ACT, it is sometimes difficult to know which schools have been recognised with a “SunSmart” status and which ones have not yet. In most cases Canberra primary schools are very diligent when it comes to sun protection behaviour and practices. Some schools only need to make a few minor adjustments to their current sun protection policy in order to receive a nationally recognised SunSmart status for all their efforts and commitment toward skin cancer prevention and awareness.
Schools listed as "Participating”. These schools have have made an active start toward joining the program however have not yet achieved a SunSmart status because they have not updated and returned their school's current sun protection policy. The Cancer Council has encouraged these schools to update and return their policy asap.
Schools listed as "Not Participating". These schools have shown an interest toward joining the program and have requested a SunSmart Application Kit to be sent out to the school. The Council encourages these schools to complete and return their school's SunSmart Application Form, Agreement AND sun protection policy ASAP.
Please note that some schools may already have a SunSmart status- however their policy may be outdated and require updating. The Cancer Council encourages ALL primary schools in the ACT to keep their sun protection policy updated. The Cancer Council can assist schools toward updating and developing a comprehensive up to date sun protection policy which meets national SunSmart standards.
View YOUR schools SunSmart status
For more information on the SunSmart Program contact The Cancer Council on 6257 9999
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