News

As a newly graduated and enthusiastic teacher, Luke Myers knows about the importance of supporting his young students however he can, and that a simple act like him wearing a hat and sunscreen can have a big impact. Just 21 years old when diagnosed with stage two melanoma.

Still going strong after 25 years!
Since it began in WA in 1998, the SunSmart Schools Program has been a proud advocate for sun safety. Thank you to every school and staff member who strive to ensure young people have access to UV protective environments.

All staff working within schools could be exposed to the sun when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is at its most damaging, so limiting the risk is paramount! SunSmart learning modules will equip staff with the required evidence-based research and sun protection strategies to work safely.

We are very excited to share the recent launch of Play Active, proudly partnered by SunSmart and Cancer Council WA. Play Active is the only program of its kind in Australia that provides evidence-informed guidelines for ECEC services to ensure all children are getting enough energetic play throughout the day, every day.

The process of becoming a SunSmart School was driven by PE Teacher Deb Andrews. The biggest challenge was ensuring that all students were adequately protected from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by wearing a sun protective hat, instead of the baseball caps that were a daily feature in the school.

Punishing students for not wearing a hat, can induce an anxiety-inducing, enforceable rule that only applies sun protection to school time. Ideally, wearing a hat should be associated with a positive health behaviour that they can transfer to non-school days and secondary school.