New research to help teachers promote SunSmart behaviours in schools

Research published earlier this month from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) found that Australian and New Zealand teachers need more support to foster sun protective behaviours in their students.

The study looked at knowledge and competencies among teacher graduates across three key areas: physical activity, sun safety, and sleep.

Time spent on sun safety content

Overall, teacher educators reported spending significantly more time on physical activity content than sun safety content.

Additionally, over 21% of respondents said that their teacher education programs spent no time at all training preservice teachers on how to plan or deliver lessons on sun safety or sleep.

Capacity to teach sun safety content

It is unsurprising then, that around 30 to 40% of respondents did not know if teaching graduates had the knowledge, confidence or competence to teach students about sun safety.

Further, about 14 to 21% of respondents said they did not think their graduates could confidently plan and teach lessons about sun safety.

Comments from SunSmart WA

Sally Blane, Manager of SunSmart WA, said sunburn and sun overexposure in childhood significantly increased the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.

“Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer and is almost entirely preventable. It is imperative that teachers are properly educated about UV and skin cancer prevention and are trained to teach lessons related to this content,” Ms Blane said.

This first study to look at this issue highlights a clear need to improve and optimise public health content in teacher education programs to ensure consistency in public health messages through teachers.

If you’re a teacher or educator in Australia or New Zealand, you can find free downloadable educational SunSmart resources for your students at Generation SunSmart.