KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE IN THE SUN

Overexposure to the sun can be dangerous for a child's health. Let's look at how we can best keep them safe, especially during the hottest months.

The level of sun protection required for children changes with the seasons because the amount of UV radiation varies throughout the year.

WHAT IS UV RADIATION?

UV radiation is a type of wavelength emitted by the sun that we can't see. It is strongly linked to skin cancer and eye damage so we must all be vigilant to avoid too much of it and this is especially true of children.

UV radiation levels tend to peak around noon when the sun is highest in the sky. As a rule of thumb, always check the local UV levels and protect your child accordingly. The general guidelines for each UV level are as follows:

UV Level 0-2 (Low)

Only minimal protection is required. If it's particularly bright, pop a pair of sunglasses on your child to cover their eyes and maybe apply some sunscreen if you're going to be outside for more than an hour.

UV Level 3-5 (Moderate)

Be sure to take some precautions - cover up your kids' skin and apply sunscreen, particularly if you're going to be outdoors for more than 30 minutes. Around midday, remember to get your child to take cover in some shade as the sun is at its strongest.

UV Level 6-7 (High)

At this level, protection is definitely required as the UV will damage your child's unprotected skin and cause sunburn. Try to limit time in the sun between 11 am and 3 pm and generally speaking, seek shade for your little one. Cover them up, apply sunscreen, and make sure they wear sunglasses and a hat.

UV Level 8-10 (Very High)

Take all of the necessary precautions and be extra vigilant as any unprotected skin will be damaged very quickly at these levels of UV radiation.

UV Level 11-12 (Extreme)