Protecting our kids against sun cancer was the focus of a launch held in Port Macquarie on Friday.
The Cancer Council was in town to push its SunSmart campaign and highlight the good work our schools are doing in protecting our children from the harmful rays of the sun.
Mid-North Coast schools have amongst the highest levels of sun safety in schools compared to other parts of NSW, the Council revealed.
In the region, 46 per cent of schools have become SunSmart, compared to 38 per cent across the rest of NSW. Cancer Council is now encouraging the remaining schools to become SunSmart so that all students at all schools have the same level of protection.
“Good habits for life are formed during a child’s school years and the SunSmart Primary School Program will help students to grow up with sun safety top of mind,” Adele Hayne, from Cancer Council’s Mid-North Coast office said.
“The SunSmart Primary School Program bolsters sun safety beyond the common “no hat, play in the shade’ practice, which is ineffective on its own.
“Students at SunSmart schools will benefit from a sun protection policy covering all areas of sun safety, fun lessons and innovative online curriculum resources about how to play safe in the sun.
“With about 250 people facing melanoma in the Mid-North Coast region each year, we hope the program will protect students today and play a role in reducing these statistics when they become tomorrow’s adults.”
Phil Lillehagen from Port Macquarie Adventist Primary School said, “I’m delighted that we called the SunSmart Infoline and benefitted from this program which gives the school and parents peace of mind on sun safety.
“We are working towards all of our students wearing broad-brimmed hats that shade the nose, ears and back of the neck. We have also found the SunSmart curriculum resources to be popular with students who learn about sun protection in a fun and engaging way.”
Present at the launch, Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said, “More than 25 people on the Mid-North Coast die each year from melanoma, so it is vitally important that, where possible, local schools become involved in anything that teaches young students about being sun smart.
“By developing sun smart habits at an early age, children take those practices with them as they grow up,” Mrs Williams said.
Mid-North Coast schools that join the program before April 5, 2012 will receive a free year’s supply of sunscreen. Principals are encouraged to call the SunSmart Infoline on (02) 9334 1761, or visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/primary.
