Safe in the sun

Abstract

Describes the evolution of a draw and write research project to investigate children’s perceptions of sun exposure and skin cancer in five northern European countries. Analysis of the findings showed that primary school children acknowledged a need to protect themselves, but thought that the main way to do this was to use sun creams. There was little mention of protective clothing or the value of shade. A comparison with children in Australia and New Zealand showed much less approval of sun tans and greater awareness of strategies such as wearing hats and keeping in the shade. Concludes that European countries need to mount coherent sun protection programmes in schools.

Citation

Wetton, N. (1996), "Safe in the sun", Health Education, Vol. 96 No. 4, pp. 13-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654289610119009