Secondary Schools
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ACT Secondary Schools Sun Protection Project 2011/12
 Cancer Council ACT is currently undertaking a sun protection project in 6 ACT Secondary Schools, with an emphasis on Year 7 and 8 students and their sun protection behaviour and attitudes.
It is intended that the structure of future Cancer Council ACT support to secondary schools in the ACT will be informed by the findings of this project.
The main aim of the consultation project is to consult as widely as possible with members of the secondary school community to assess the potential role of Cancer Council ACT (CCACT) in assisting /supporting schools to implement sun protection strategies that may be effective within ACT secondary schools. This plan focuses on gathering the perspectives of students within Years 7 and 8 and their parents/guardians along with teachers and other members of the participating school communities, on viable school-based sun protection initiatives which ACT schools can implement and CCACT can support.
For more information on this project contact David Wild - SunSmart Services Coordinator on 6257 9999
2008 ASSAD findings
Whilst SunSmart behaviour is not routinely enforced amongst our local high schools and colleges- it has been reported on. The recent ACT Secondary Student Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey (2008) reported that there has been a reduction in sun protection behavior amongst ACT secondary school students. There has been a significant decrease in the number of students who reported they wore a hat on sunny days during summer. Likewise the use of sunscreen among secondary students has also declined.
On a more positive note, the survey suggested that there has been a significant decrease in the number of females who reported they were sunburnt during the previous summer, whilst the number of males that reported sunburn over the previous summer has continued on a steady decline.
Other positive findings include a decrease in positive attitudes and beliefs around tanning amongst females and an increase in the number of students seeking out shade compared to 2005.
To read more about current sun protection practices and behaviours amongst ACT secondary school students download a copy of the report.
Sun protection, skin cancer and teens- an overview
Teenagers have sensitive skin and many continue to desire a tan which places them at a high risk of developing skin cancer later in life, including melanoma. Teenagers and young adults need to stop and think about the damage the sun may be causing their skin. By adopting some simple precautions now they can minimise their chances of developing skin cancer in the future. In young people aged 12-24 years, melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with more than double the number of cases of any kind of other cancer.
Cancer Council ACT encourages ALL high schools and colleges to reinforce the importance of skin cancer prevention and awareness. The Council has a number of resources that are available to ACT schools that are committed toward the long term health and wellbeing of their students and staff alike.
FREE RESOURCES FOR ACT SECONDARY SCHOOLS INCLUDE:
GENERATION SUNSMART- An online student resource AND Professional Development training modules for ACT teachers
This new online national SunSmart educational resource has been designed for early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers, school health nurses and school students (Years 6 to 9). What are you waiting for? sign into Generation SunSmart today. All Canberra secondary school teachers who successfully complete the online modules will receive a Professional Development certificate from Cancer Council Australia.
KIDSKIN: Sun Safety Education Resource For Year 7 and 8 students (Early Adolesence)
Avaliability: All ACT high schools have received a complimentary copy of this resource (Oct 2010). Additional copies can be purchased for just $29.95.
Activities in this resource have been aligned with Every chance to learn- Curriculum framework for ACT schools p to yr 10
SUNSCREEN FUNDRAISING- start raising funds for new shade by selling sunscreen at your school
REAL STORIES ABOUT SKIN CANCER AND SKIN DAMAGE. A DVD and teacher's guide (2008)
This new comprehensive DVD and 48 page teacher's guide resource features footage from a Channel 9 60 Minutes program which aired on the 20th February 2005. It has been reproduced with the kind permission of 60 Minutes for use in secondary schools and colleges across Australia.
Aimed at ACT secondary students, complete with teacher's guide, the main purpose of this DVD resource is to help students to:
- Increase their knowledge about skin cancer, the risks of tanning and being burnt by the sun
- Examine their own attitudes about tanning and skin cancer
- Understand the need for SunSmart behaviour now to prevent skin cancer later in life.
Note: This resource does carry an important WARNING sign. Teachers should view the contents prior to presenting to different year groups.
Avaliabilty: One FREE copy is avaliable to local secondary schools and colleges. Additional copies are $24.95ea (inc GST). Click on the resource to order your school's copy today.
UV RISK REDUCTION: A Planning Guide for Secondary Schools (Revised 2009)
This 20 page booklet has recently been revised and outlines the issues secondary schools may face around sun protection behavior. It includes tips towards developing and implementing a sun protection policy for your school, curriculum activity ideas and links to other information.
Avaliabilty: FREE download only.
FASHION FOR THE SUN
This resource was funded by Queensland Health and managed by the Education Commitee of the Home Economics Institute of Australia Incorporated (HEIA) and supported by The Cancer Council Queensland.
Avaliabilty: FREE Download.
Online brochures
Other links of interest.
For more information or ways The Cancer Council can assist your school contact us on 6257 9999
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