Schools commit to being Sun Safe as Jersey hots up

Friday 06 May 2016

Teachers in Jersey are factoring sun safety into the school day to stop youngsters getting burnt.

Research shows that if we get sunburnt when we are young we are more at risk of skin cancer in later life and seven primary schools in the Island are now making sure their pupils are well protected from the harmful rays of the sun.

Springfield, Rouge Bouillon, St Saviour’s, First Tower, St John’s, Bel Royal and St Luke’s have all signed up to national scheme dedicated to preventing skin cancer through education and are working towards becoming ‘Sun Safe Primary Schools’.

They have joined more than 2,000 schools across the UK on a scheme run by Skcin - The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity in the UK that ties in with next week’s Sun Awareness Week.

The seven schools will be promoting the use of suncream and sun hats, giving lessons and holding an assembly on sun safety as well as looking for more ways to provide shade in the school playground.

Skcin’s Business Development Manager Marie Tudor said: “Skcin is delighted that schools in Jersey wish to support our Sun Safe Accreditation. The scheme goes from strength to strength, every year with increased registrations from schools and nurseries and workplaces.

“85% of skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV, so 85% of cases are preventable. Education of sun awareness is key. By schools adopting the scheme we are driving a cultural change with the next generation and also mitigating future healthcare costs and ultimately saving lives.”

St John’s School’s Deputy Head Teacher Jess Doyle said: “This scheme provides teachers with free policy information, comprehensive, fun and engaging teaching resources and support materials to ensure that children are adequately protected from the damaging effects of the sun and learn how to enjoy the sun safely at an early age.”

Sarah Jones, a member of the Senior Leadership Team at St Luke’s School said: “The campaign provides useful information that extends to the parents and families of our pupils so that the sun safe message can be positively reinforced at home.”

The Jersey Cancer Trust has paid the schools' registration fee for the scheme and is providing all seven schools with some sun hats.

Public Health’s Senior Health Improvement Officer Dr Julie Luscombe said: “The skin of young children is particularly delicate and research tells us that sunburn in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.

“Children are at school five days a week, at times when UV rays are high and can spend an average of 1.5 hours outside per school day, or even more if involved in sports and outdoor activities.

“This means there is enormous potential for schools to play a significant role in changing behaviours through role modelling and education.

“The sponsorship from Jersey Cancer Trust has allowed local Primary Schools to receive a comprehensive range of free resources and guidance in achieving a physical and tangible status that they can be proud of.”