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Sun Safety: Protecting Our Kids (and Ourselves)

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We live in a country blessed with sunshine — but also one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. For kids, the sun can be both fun and risky: just one blistering sunburn in childhood can significantly increase their risk of skin cancer later in life.

At The Sick Sense, our goal is to help parents and carers feel confident about protecting their little ones. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family sun safe, and what to do if your child does get burnt.


Why Sun Safety Matters

  • UV, not heat, causes damage: Even on cool or cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can harm skin and eyes.

  • Damage starts young: The majority of our lifetime sun exposure happens before age 18.

  • One bad burn counts: A single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can increase long-term risk.

  • Children are more vulnerable: Their skin is thinner and more sensitive, meaning damage happens faster.


The Five SunSmart Steps

You’ve probably heard the phrase Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. It’s a great reminder, but here’s what it actually means in practice:

  • Slip on protective clothing: Cover arms, legs, and shoulders where possible. Fabrics with a good UPF rating offer the best protection.

  • Slop on sunscreen: Choose SPF 30+ (ideally 50+), broad-spectrum, and water-resistant. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours — and always after swimming or towel drying.

  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Baseball caps aren’t enough — go for something that shades the face, neck, and ears.

  • Seek shade: Especially between 10am and 3pm when UV is strongest.

  • Slide on sunglasses: Look for wrap-around styles that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection.


Babies and Young Children

  • Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

  • Use shade, hats, and protective clothing as your first line of defense.

  • For older babies and toddlers, choose sunscreens designed for sensitive skin, and patch-test first.


What To Do If Your Child Gets Sunburnt

Even with the best planning, accidents can happen. If your child comes home sunburnt:

  1. Cool the skin: Gently apply a cool, damp cloth or give them a short cool bath. Avoid ice directly on the skin.

  2. Moisturise: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel to soothe the burn.

  3. Hydrate: Encourage plenty of water or oral rehydration solution drinks— sunburn can increase fluid loss.

  4. Relieve discomfort: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (age-appropriate, follow dosing instructions on the packet or your Sick Sense Medication Tracker) may help if they’re sore.

  5. Protect the skin: Keep the area covered and out of further sun until healed.

  6. Watch for warning signs: Seek medical attention if your child has:

    • Blistering burns

    • Fever, chills, or unwell appearance

    • Nausea, vomiting, or headache

    • Very young age (babies and toddlers with sunburn should always be reviewed by a health professional).


The Sick Sense Takeaway

Kids are meant to be kids — running, climbing, splashing, and playing is how they learn and grow. Sunshine is part of that, and we don’t want to take it away. What we can do is make a few small choices that keep them safe while they play.

Sun safety isn’t about restriction; it’s about protection. A hat, some sunscreen, a shady spot — these things let our kids keep doing what they do best: exploring the world around them, building confidence, and enjoying childhood, with the reassurance that we’re looking after their future health too.



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Disclaimer

This blog is for general information and education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions on medication packaging and speak with your GP or a qualified health professional if you are concerned about your child’s sunburn or health.

 
 
 

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