What is a Sunsmart School in NZ?
A sunsmart school is a school where sunsmart is enforced and is always in practice especially in the summer months. A school where there is lots of shade and covered outdoor areas.
To be accredited as SunSmart, schools must address:
- Behaviour – use of sun hats, clothing, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Environment – working towards providing shade and encouraging its use.
- Curriculum – educating students about UV and sun protection.
- Review – the school’s sun protecti on policy is reviewed at least every three years.
- Info link
Why is it important for schools in NZ to teach students about being sunsmart?
Because the sun in NZ and many other developed countries the ozone layer has torn because of all the pollution coming from the countries. Therefore the sun’s UV rays (Ultraviolet Rays) is coming directly on to our skin because it is not being mellowed down by the ozone layer.
How many schools in NZ are sunsmart schools?
NZ schools are big on being sunsmart so there are 500 sunsmart schools nationwide in NZ.
What behaviours are sunsmart schools trying to teach their students?
- Wear a hat
- Put on sunscreen
- Wear covering clothes
- Stay in the shade as much as possible
- SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, WRAP
What must a sunsmart school address to be accredited as a sunsmart school?
To be accredited as SunSmart, schools must address:
- Behaviour – use of sun hats, clothing, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Environment – working towards providing shade and encouraging its use.
- Curriculum – educating students about UV and sun protection.
- Review – the school’s sun protection policy is reviewed at least every three years. Info link
What does a sunsmart school in NZ receive for their efforts to promote being sunsmart?
I could not find the answer to this question, however I think that schools would receive and fund for more shades to put around the school.
Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap guidelines
Slip on a shirt
Slop on sunscreen
Slap on a hat
Wrap on sunglasses
What are these guidelines?