For many parents, keeping young children safe in the sun is already part of the daily routine. Before heading outdoors, we apply sunscreen, use hats, and dress kids in UPF-rated clothing. These small habits help reduce the harmful effects of UV exposure.
Keeping Children Sun-Safe
Young kids rely on adults to help them build healthy habits, including sun protection. As they grow older, we hope these routines become second nature. Early sun safety can also lower the chance of serious skin problems later in life.
But what about the time they spend outside of our care? A cloudy morning at daycare or a cool spring day at kindergarten can still bring UV exposure, even when it doesn’t seem sunny. Parents may not always know what sun-safe measures are in place in those environments.
A new initiative may help fill that gap by studying how early-childhood settings can better support sun protection.
Preventing Skin Damage Before It Starts
A pilot program from the BC Cancer Agency is exploring ways to reduce UV exposure for young children.
- The study will run for six months and will:
- Install a shade structure in an outdoor play area
- Monitor the impact on UV exposure for children aged 3 to 5
- Track how shade impacts outdoor physical activity
Importantly, the shade structures are designed to support active play, not limit it to a rest area. By keeping temperatures comfortable and blocking direct UV rays, children can stay active outdoors throughout more months of the year.
The project also allows researchers to study UV exposure beyond summer. Spring and fall often bring high UV levels despite cooler temperatures or cloud cover, making them key seasons for sun protection.
Skin Cancer in British Columbia
In BC, melanoma cases continue to rise. Projections show an increase of about 26 percent between 2021 and 2031. Even mild sunburns in childhood can contribute to greater risk later in life, which is why early habits matter.
Programs like this pilot study aim to give schools, preschools, and daycares better information to guide outdoor playtime. By creating sun-safe environments and building awareness early, communities can help children adopt healthy habits that last a lifetime.
References:
BC Cancer Agency Contributors (June 2021). New research project aims to reduce skin cancer before it starts.
