Sun exposure and children

Most of us look back fondly on our childhoods; we remember long days at the beach, days spent in fields playing make believe with our friends, and we knew to come home for dinner not because we got a text, but because the street lights came on.

Unfortunately, as time has gone on, those long lazy summers in the sun are no longer advisable, and here’s why. Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world, and 80% of cancer that is diagnosed is skin cancer.

What does this mean for children?

Due to their delicate skin, babies and children are at more risk of sun burns and skin damage. The more UV radiation you are exposed to as a child (under the age of 18), the more likely you are to develop skin cancer as an adult, and with more than 14,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in Australia in 2018 we need to prevent the number rising by being sun safe from a young age.

What precautions can we take?

Children should cover as much of their skin as possible with loose clothing.

• Always put a brimmed hat on their head.
• Wear a SPF50+ sunscreen.
• All prams should have a sun safe shading system.
• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 12pm – 2pm.
• Stay in the shade when possible.

Shade sails add an extra layer of protection

Summers and pool go hand in hand, so why not consider a shade sail for your pool area to keep the kids protected, or install a shade sail over the deck so they can play outside without being in direct sunlight.

Anything that provides shade will help protect your children, but Anthony’s Shade Sails provide high quality shade cloth sails that have HVG solar block to ensure your children are protected from the harsh UV rays.

Don’t hide inside when a shade sail is a cost-effective way to enjoy the Gold Coast’s beautiful weather without compromising on safety.