Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of every three Queenslanders will develop a form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Research indicates that at least two thirds of all melanomas occurring in Australia could be prevented if children were protected from the sun during their first 15 years.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Research shows that severe sunburn contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sunspots, blemishes and premature ageing. Most skin damage and skin cancer is, therefore, preventable.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are highest during the hours that children and staff are at school. With this in mind, Brisbane Girls Grammar School realises the need to protect students’ skin and educate them about SunSmart behaviour, therefore reducing the risk of skin damage.
SunSmart Guidelines outline the School’s commitment to:
- providing information that supports personal responsibility for early detection and prevention of skin cancer
- providing environments that support SunSmart practices
- creating an awareness of the need to reschedule work commitments and outdoor activities to support SunSmart practices.
Procedures
Brisbane Girls Grammar School recognises that winter sun also contributes to skin damage. The implementation of these SunSmart Guidelines will therefore be relevant throughout the year.
The School will:
- inform parents of the School’s approach to SunSmart behaviour
- maintain, and increase where possible, the amount of shade on the Main Campus by building shelters and planting trees
- incorporate education programs, which focus on skin cancer prevention and early detection, into the School curriculum
- seek ongoing support from parents and the wider School community for the SunSmart Guidelines and their implementation
- encourage all students and staff to wear hats that protect the face, and use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen when on School campuses and involved in outdoor activities
- ensure that adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and other outdoor events
- offer sun-protective uniform items where possible, including sleeved and collared shirts
- encourage the wearing of sunglasses for outdoor lessons.
Our expectations
Students will:
- take responsibility for their own health and safety by being SunSmart
- be aware of the School’s SunSmart Guidelines
- use shaded or covered areas, where possible, for outdoor activities
- acknowledge SunSmart guidelines by wearing suitable hats, sunscreen, clothing and sunglasses
- act as positive role models for other students in all aspects of SunSmart behaviour
- participate in initiatives to protect the School population from excessive exposure to the sun.
