Sun Protection Practices in Childcare – Bedfordale and Surrounds
For the past 40-50 years, the authorities in Australia have warned against the dangers of having too much exposure to the sun. That has often been stressed in the context of children.
Sun Protection Practices in Childcare
Some parents may wonder what current practices the providers of childcare, Bedfordale and surrounding locations adopt concerning exposure to the sun.
A Little History About Sun Protection Advice
Strange as it may sound, prior to the 1960s/80s, most official bodies advised caution with the sun mainly from the perspective of preventing burning. Generally, the prevailing health and beauty culture stressed the benefits of being ‘tanned’.
During the 1970s, research finally proved the suspected role of sunlight and UV-A/UV-B (Ultra-Violet radiation types A and B) as a major causative factor in the various forms of skin cancer. By the 1980s, companies were producing sunblock products to remove or reduce the effects of both UVA and UVB on the skin.
It was only in 1999 that firm experimental proof was obtained that such products could significantly reduce the damage caused by sunlight and reduce skin cancer risks accordingly.
Children’s Issues
It has long been known that children are particularly at risk from over-exposure to UA radiation.
Depending on the wavelength, UV damages children’s DNA in various ways. While this may be invisible or even in cases of burning, seemingly quickly healed and cleared up, unfortunately, the effects can be carried forward leading to higher risks of skin cancer in later life.
Many ancient societies took steps to keep their children out of excessive exposure to the sun, even though they had no understanding of things such as UV or DNA. That wisdom seems to have been lost as Western industrial society developed.
Counter considerations
However, it is equally clear that children must be exposed to the outside world to thrive and grow. That is not just exercise, which may to some extent be delivered indoors, but mainly to ensure exposure to natural elements to help develop their immune systems etc.
Children (and adults) also need sunlight to help generate vitamin D. Excluding supplements, which are controversial, many health experts also argue that it is difficult or impossible to obtain sufficient vitamin D from food alone.
So, at least some exposure to the sun is necessary.
Modern practices
Most professional centres offering childcare, Bedfordale and elsewhere, will encourage children to spend time outside to explore and develop an affinity with the natural world.
Most will have shaded areas and many may require children to wear hats when outside and be protected by strong protection factor sunblock. They will also typically limit the duration of exposure to direct sunlight.
The old belief that children with darker skin colours do not need significant sunscreen protection has been disproven and disregarded. While darker skin provides some extra protection it is not sufficient in itself and extreme caution is still required.
Providers will also follow government health guidelines for sun exposure and younger children. In summary:
- full protection models will be adopted once the UV index reaches 3 (moderate) or higher;
- require the putting on of lightweight clothing when outside, covering as much exposed skin as possible;
- children will have SPF factor 30+ applied every two hours if going outside;
- using a hat providing shade for as much of the face and neck as possible;
- the use of child-safe sunglasses offering category 2, 3 or 4 protection;
- playing in the shade where possible (though even in the shade, the above other precautions will still apply).
If you live in Bedfordale or surrounds and would like to know more about our policies and practices, why not pop along for a quick visit? Call for an appointment and we’ll be pleased to discuss further.
