National SunSmart Schools Program
 Since 1999 the National SunSmart Schools Program has been awarding SunSmart status to all ACT Primary Schools which have developed and implemented an updated comprehensive sun protection policy that meets minimal national SunSmart standards. The program is aimed toward minimising the amount of time school students (and staff) are directly exposed to harmful solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This is achieved through education about being safe in the sun and a school commitment toward developing and/or utilising effective shade areas. 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. ACT schools are encouraged to implement their school's sun protection policy from the beginning of August through to the end of May when daily UV levels reach 3 and above in Canberra- this can be for part of or most of the day and are strong enough to damage unprotected skin.
Remember: Extra care should always be taken during the middle hours of the day (between 10am and 2pm), this includes minimising outdoor experiences between 11am and 3pm as much as reasonably practicable during the daylight saving time of the year when daily UV levels are at their strongest.
Why become a SunSmart School?
Australia has one of 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 over-exposure to the sun's UVR during childhood and adolescence is a major risk factor for developing 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, including melanoma.
Legal action has occurred in some states because students were sunburnt during all-day events and excursions.
Staff: Occupational UVR Exposure is a serious occupational health and safety hazard for people who spend all or part of their working day outdoors.
Under the ACT Work Safety Act 2008, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Similarly, workers have a responsibility to adopt protective measures introduced by their employer to maintain a safe workplace.
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 status
Schools with a SunSmart status demonstrate to the wider community that they are committed toward skin cancer prevention and awareness. Schools also remain updated on current sun protection behaviors and strategies. Schools with a SunSmart status have agreed to be reviewed by the Cancer Council every 3 years and 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 large metal SunSmart sign
- SunSmart E-News
- Being SunSmart- A guide for primary schools
- A SunSmart certificate
- Special offers and promotions
- Assistance with your 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 as much as practicably possible to protect the students and staff in its care
- 10% discount on bulk orders of sunscreen purchased by your school-upon request.
Become a SunSmart school today (for ACT primary schools only)
STEP 1
Download the National SunSmart Schools Program Application Form and Agreement. Complete this and fax to Cancer Council ACT on 6257 5055. You will later be required to email an electronic version of your school's current sun protection policy in doc format (the SunSmart Services Coordinator will contact you to request your policy once your SunSmart Application and Agreement has been received).
If you are having difficulty developing a comprehensive sun protection policy for your school then you may choose to download a SunSmart Sample Policy and Checklist for the ACT. You can also view the ACT Department of Education and Training's Sun Protection Policy (SP200609).
* New ACT Early Childhood Schools are also encouraged to join the National SunSmart School Program.
STEP 2
Once you have returned your SunSmart pplication, agreement and policy, Cancer Council ACT 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. Your policy will also be returned with track changes to assist your school further develop its policy if neccesary.
STEP 3
Update your policy sooner rather then later. This can be achieved by following the recommendations you would have received from the Council. Please note that it is typical for most schools to return their sun protection policy 2 or 3 times before it meets minimal national SunSmart 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
If your policy meets minimal national SunSmart standards your school will be awarded a nationally recognised SunSmart status, the SunSmart Coordinator will aim to drop your metal sign and certificate of at your school. Your school will be required to pay a one off joining fee of $45, an invoice will be sent to the school. This is to cover the cost of your new SunSmart metal sign.
STEP 5
Now your school has been awarded with a national SunSmart status- 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, the council can assist you with this.
So, what now?
Your school will be added to Cancer Council ACT's SunSmart School database. As a member of the SunSmart Program your school has also agreed to take part in a SunSmart Program 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. This is the time to update your policy if neccesary.
Resources avaliable
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 National SunSmart Schools Program can purchase or loan resources. View resource list
CANCER COUNCIL ACT's SUNSMART E-NEWS
 Term 1 2010 Summer
Winter 2009
Summer 2009
Winter 2008
Summer 2007
Autumn/Winter 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
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” (PART). These schools have already made an effort toward joining the program however have not yet achieved a SunSmart status because they have not updated and returned their school's sun protection protection policy. These schools are encouraged to update and return their policy asap so they can be offered a National SunSmart status.
Please note that some schools may already have a SunSmart status- however their policy may be outdated and require updating. Cancer Council ACTencourages ALL primary schools in the ACT to keep their sun protection policy updated. Cancer Council ACT 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 NOW
For more information on the SunSmart Program contact Cancer Council ACT on 6257 9999.
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