Our behavior in the sun is the main cause for the rise in skin cancer rates in recent decades. An increase in popular outdoor activities and changed sunbathing habits often result in excessive UV exposure. Many adults today consider intensive sunbathing to be normal and unfortunately, even many children and their parents perceive a suntan as a symbol of attractiveness and good health.
However, a suntan is merely a sign of UV damage and represents the state of the skin's defense to prevent further harm.

Why do Children need protection from Ultraviolet Radiation?

Children are in a vibrant state of growth, and as a result are much more susceptible to environmental threats than adults. Vital functions and body systems such as their immune system are not fully developed at birth, thus unsafe environments have the potential to interfere with their normal development. Thankfully, today most environmental hazards are preventable!
By reducing exposure to harmful UV radiation we can effectively help protect a child’s health.


So why are children more susceptible to harmful UV radiation?

Children require special protection as they are at a higher risk of suffering damage from exposure to UV radiation than adults. This is simply because:
• A child's skin is thinner and more sensitive and even a short time outdoors in the midday sun can result in serious burns.
• Studies have constantly demonstrated that frequent sun exposure and sunburn in childhood set the stage for high rates of melanoma later in life.
• Children have more time to develop diseases which progress slowly, more years of life to be lost and more suffering to be endured as a result of impaired health. Increased life expectancy further adds to people's risk of developing skin cancers and cataracts.
• Children are more exposed to the sun. Estimates suggest that up to 80 per cent of a person's lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18.
• Children love playing outdoors but usually are not aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation.