For many of us, sunshine means outdoor adventures, playground fun and family days out, but for young children, that same sunshine can pose serious risks if we’re not careful. Children’s skin is far more delicate than adults’ and even a single episode of sunburn can cause lasting damage.
The good news? Most skin cancers are entirely preventable through simple, everyday actions. By teaching sun safety early, both at home and in nurseries, we can help children develop habits that protect them for life.
Here’s everything parents and practitioners need to know to help children enjoy the sunshine safely.
Why Sun Safety Matters So Much in Childhood
- Most lifetime UV exposure happens before age 18.
That means the sun safety habits we teach in the early years have a huge long-term impact. - Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive.
It burns more easily and takes less time to damage. Even mild sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. - You can’t always feel UV rays.
UV radiation is invisible and can still cause harm on cloudy or breezy days, so protection is needed even when it doesn’t feel hot.
The “Five S’s” of Sun Safety
The Five S’s are a simple and memorable way to keep children protected:
- Slip on protective clothing – choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, arms, and legs.
- Slop on sunscreen – apply generously and reapply every 2–3 hours, or more often if children are sweating or playing with water.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat – it should shade the face, neck, and ears. Legionnaire-style hats are perfect for younger children.
- Slide on sunglasses – children’s eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage too, so use wraparound styles with 100% UV protection.
- Shade from the sun – especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are at their strongest.
Sunscreen: What You Need to Know
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF 30 or higher is ideal for children.
- Apply before going outside, ideally 20 minutes in advance, and reapply every 2–3 hours.
- Don’t forget often-missed areas: ears, neck, tops of feet, back of knees, and under straps.
- Check expiry dates — sunscreen loses effectiveness over time.
Top tip: For nursery-aged children, label a bottle of sunscreen with their name and keep it in their bag for easy reapplication.
Clothing & Accessories
When choosing summer clothes, look for:
- Tightly woven fabrics — if you can see through it, UV rays can too.
- Long sleeves and longer shorts — especially during midday playtimes.
- UV-protective swimwear for water play or beach trips.
- Sun hats with neck flaps for younger children who love to run around.
Planning Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is vital for learning and development, so instead of avoiding sunshine, plan ahead to make it safe:
- Check the UV index daily (many weather apps include it). When it’s 3 or above, it’s time to use sun protection.
- Create shaded areas in gardens or playgrounds with canopies, umbrellas, or natural shade.
- Adjust outdoor times — plan the most active play for morning or late afternoon.
- Encourage self-awareness — help children notice when they feel too warm, tired, or need a drink.
Hydration is Key
Children lose fluids faster in warm weather. Encourage:
- Frequent sips of water throughout the day.
- Easy access to bottles — personal labelled cups or bottles help children stay hydrated independently.
- Fruits and veggies high in water content, like cucumber, watermelon and oranges, as part of snack time.
Teaching Sun Safety Through Play
Sun safety doesn’t have to be serious, it can be fun!
Here are some ideas for parents and practitioners:
- Storytime: Read books about sunshine, weather, or holidays, and talk about staying safe.
- Role play: Create a “beach day” indoors and let children practise putting on hats and sunglasses.
- Songs and rhymes: Invent a simple “Slip, Slop, Slap” song to sing before going outside.
- Science play: Explore shadows and light with torches or sunlight experiments.
- Art and craft: Decorate sun hats or design posters reminding everyone of the Five S’s.
Building Consistency Between Home and Nursery
Children learn best through repetition. When parents and practitioners use the same routines, children internalise them quickly.
Try:
- A “sun hat station” near doors or garden areas.
- A sunscreen chart showing reapplication times.
- Sending gentle reminders home about sun cream, water bottles, and spare hats.
- Talking about why we protect our skin, helping children understand, not just follow rules.
Lead by Example
Children copy what they see! When adults model good habits, wearing hats, applying sunscreen and seeking shade, children see that sun safety is normal and important.
Every time we demonstrate positive behaviour, we’re giving children a skill that could protect their health for life.
The Takeaway
Sun safety isn’t about restriction, it’s about empowerment. By building knowledge, habits and awareness early, we’re giving children the confidence to enjoy the outdoors safely and happily, now and in the future.
☀️ Teach it early. Model it often. Make it fun. ☀️
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Happy Days Nurseries Partner with SKCIN to Champion Sun Safety Education Across the Early Years Sector