Sun Safety
Being safe in the sun
When the sun is shining, your children are likely up at the crack of dawn and itching to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. But before hitting the playground or beach, there are sun safety tips that you can follow to help protect your children from the sun's harmful rays.
Why is it important for children to be 'sun safe'?
You may be surprised to hear that skin cancer is the most common cancer for Canadians. Exposure to the sun can cause tans and sunburns. These are actually signs that the skin has been damaged. And although a tan or a burn fades over time, the damage builds up and can lead to skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and cataracts. That's why it's so important for children to be protected while enjoying the outdoors.
But there's good news - skin cancer can mostly be prevented! By practicing sun safety now, your children can develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
What you can do
Sun safety guidelines are simple steps that you and your family can follow to enjoy the sun safely. By planning ahead for outdoor activities and teaching your children why sun safety is so important, now, it will become second nature for them later!
Learn how you can protect your children by using these sun safety guidelines.
Fast Facts
- Sunburns increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Over 50% of Canadian children get their worst sunburns while watching or participating in outdoor recreational activities.
- Canadian children aged 6–12 spend more time in the sun and are less likely to be protected than younger children.
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada.
From the Expert
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