Fun in the Sun
Sun safety is important because too much UV exposure in childhood greatly increases the risk of melanoma later in life, and New Zealand has some of the highest melanoma rates in the world. Sunburn—especially during childhood and adolescence—further raises this lifetime risk. Protecting children from UV exposure early in life reduces their long‑term skin cancer risk, and ELS play a crucial role in building strong, lifelong sun‑safe behaviours.
Te Whāriki
Holistic development – kotahitanga: Holistic learning can be encouraged through recognising how UVR exposure affects our wider wellbeing and others around us, exploring science concepts and establishing routines around sunsmart behaviours (applying sun protection).
Relationships – nga hononga: Learning about sunsmart behaviours through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things in the early learning service through routines, activities and discussions.
Handy Actions are ideas, activities and initiatives that your Early Learning Service could implement relating to the topic of Fun in the Sun. You could use the list as inspiration or as a checklist to assess what your ELS is currently doing towards 'Fun in the Sun' and decide what other ideas could be implemented. Choose actions that suit your service, your community, and where you are at. You don’t need to do everything; these are ideas.
He Pou Oranga Tangata Whenua
Here are some examples of how the pathways of wellbeing can be interwoven into this Block.
Encouraging self-help skills and taking ownership of their wellbeing enhances the mana and self-determination (rangatiratanga) of tamariki as well as developing and growing their skills, knowledge and attitudes (pūkengatanga).
Recognising atua such as Tamanuiterā (the Sun) is a way of preserving tangata whenua knowledge (kaitiakitanga).
Looking after ourselves and others by encouraging sunsmart behaviours is also a way to show respect and kindness to others (manaakitanga) and demonstrate a unity and solidarity (kotahitanga) to stopping the harm caused by UVR exposure.
Supporting information and evidence
Children spend long periods outdoors in ELS during high‑UV months (September–April, 10am–4pm). ELS environments allow staff to model and teach sun‑safe habits through daily routines and activities. Staff often need clear policies and better support to apply consistent, best‑practice sun protection for children and themselves.
Key Messages
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SLIP on a shirt or clothing (with a collar and long sleeves is best) between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
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SLIP into the shade. This can include portable (umbrella), natural (trees) and built shade. All outdoor activities should be planned to occur in shaded areas if taking place during high risk times of the day.
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SLOP on sunscreen. The best type is SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wipe it on thickly at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
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SLAP on a hat. The best hats to wear are wide brimmed or bucket hats. Caps are not sun smart as they do not protect the back of the neck and ears. A wide-brimmed hat can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the eyes by around 50%.
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WRAP on sunglasses. Adults, choose close fitting wraparound sunglasses.
Facts
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Children engaged in play and recreation activities outside may have increased exposure to UV radiation. UV radiation is not related to heat, which is why you can still get sunburned on a cloudy day. Skin damage caused by excessive UV exposure increases over time. Skin cancers result from total life-time UV radiation exposure and up to 80% exposure is commonly received during childhood.
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UVR from sun exposure is the main source of Vitamin D, which is essential for health. It is important to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure. From May to August, some sun on your skin is important.
