sun safety for kids
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. most UV damage happens in childhood. protecting your kids from the sun now significantly reduces their lifetime skin cancer risk.
the 5 sun protection steps
slip
slip on sun-protective clothing. long sleeves, collared shirts, and longer shorts or skirts. look for UPF 50+ rated clothing.
slop
slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. apply 20 minutes before going outside. reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating).
slap
slap on a broad-brimmed hat (at least 6cm brim) or legionnaire-style hat. baseball caps don't protect ears and neck.
seek
seek shade, especially between 10am and 3pm when UV is strongest. use trees, shade sails, umbrellas, or pop-up tents.
slide
slide on wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067. kids' eyes are more vulnerable to UV than adults'.
babies under 12 months
- •keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible
- •use shade, clothing, and hats as the primary protection
- •sunscreen can be used on small exposed areas (hands, face) from 6 months
- •before 6 months, avoid sunscreen — rely on shade and clothing
- •use a UPF 50+ pram shade or clip-on umbrella
- •dress baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing
- •never leave a baby in a car — even in the shade, temperatures rise fast
understanding the UV index
| UV index | level | protection needed |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | low | no protection needed for most people |
| 3–5 | moderate | sun protection recommended — slip, slop, slap, seek, slide |
| 6–7 | high | sun protection essential |
| 8–10 | very high | extra precautions — avoid outdoor play 10am–3pm if possible |
| 11+ | extreme | stay indoors or in full shade during peak hours |
in most of Australia, UV is 3 or above for much of the year. check the daily UV forecast on the Bureau of Meteorology website or app.
sunscreen tips for kids
- •use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- •apply generously 20 minutes before going outside
- •reapply every 2 hours — more often if swimming or sweating
- •don't forget ears, back of neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands
- •for kids who hate sunscreen: try a roll-on or spray application
- •check the expiry date — sunscreen loses effectiveness over time
- •sunscreen is a backup, not the main protection — clothing and shade come first
related guides
sun safety information based on Cancer Council Australia and SunSmart guidelines. for more information visit cancer.org.au or sunsmart.com.au.