Using sunscreen at school
Schools should actively encourage sunscreen use as a supplement to other sun safety strategies such as hats, long clothing, sun avoidance, etc.
Parents should be asked to ensure that their child has a sufficient supply for use at school. Reminders from the teacher, as well as announcements, posters, etc. will help to increase compliance.
Adopt a plan to accomodate children who forget or run out of sunscreen. Product can be sold in the student store and a supply can be stocked in the nurse’s office. If funding allows, a large pump bottle can be supplied in primary school classrooms, and in the gym at secondary schools. (A P.E. uniform with longer sleeves and pants will lessen the amount of sunscreen necessary.)
Although teachers in Australia commonly assist young children in applying their sunscreen when necessary, American teachers tend to be fearful of touching a student. Nonetheless primary teachers can be a tremendous help by demonstrating application technique on themselves and by providing appropriate supervision and reminders, focusing most closely on students who have the most lightly pigmented skin.