Back-to-School Sun Safety Tips

As students prepare to return to school, a Rutgers Health expert reminds parents to add sun protection to backpacks and wardrobes

As students return to school, there is one item that parents should consider for their backpacks: sunscreen.

In spring, New Jersey became the latest state to pass legislationrequiring school districts to adopt policies concerning student use of sunscreen without a doctor's note and the wearing of sun-protective clothing at school and school-sponsored functions.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting even five sunburns in a lifetime can more than double a person's risk of skin cancer and one single blistering sunburn in childhood can more than double the risk of melanoma later in life.

Margaret Quinn, a clinical professor who leads the pediatric nurse practitioner program at Rutgers School of Nursing, discusses the importance of sunscreen even as the summer's rays fade.

Even in the winter, children should always protect exposed skin surfaces, such as lips, faces, noses, ears, scalps and hands.

Margaret Quinn

Clinical Professor, Rutgers School of Nursing

How can parents include sunscreen in a child's daily routine?

Parents can make sunscreen a part of their children's morning routine, including using a moisturizing product with sunscreen in it. This is especially important on days when they will be outside for recess or gym class and wearing short sleeves. Once the cooler days start and their wardrobe changes, a protective layer on unexposed areas such as faces and noses would be beneficial.

What can parents do if a child is resistant to sunscreen?

Sunscreens are available as creams, gels, sprays and sticks. Some sunscreens come in colors that kids may like. Parents can also opt to have the child wear sun protective clothing and a hat. Have their siblings or friends apply their sunscreen as an activity to do together. The key is to introduce a routine and explain to the child why they need to wear sunscreen.

What should parents look for in a sunscreen for children?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that children wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight and can be covered with a light layer of clothing. Always use sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," which protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Do not use a sunscreen with para-aminobenzoic acid or oxybenzone in children because there is a risk of skin allergies and other skin effects. Otherwise, the best sunscreen is one that parents and children will use every time they are in the sun.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if children are playing outside for long periods.

Should sunscreen be used year-round?

Absolutely. Even in the winter, children should always protect exposed skin surfaces, such as lips, faces, noses, ears, scalps and hands.

Children also can get sun damage from the refraction of sun through a car window or sunroof, so we must protect them anytime they are near direct sunlight, regardless of the season.