Improving Sun-Safe Practices for Elementary School Children

BACKGROUND: Childhood is a crucial time for sun safety, as sun exposure in children is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancers. Identifying which programs effectively target children within schools is essential. OBJECTIVES: Three interventions ([1] delivery of a 30 minute presentation on sun-safety, [2] providing sunscreen samples to students at school, and [3] dispersal of letters to parents encouraging sun-safety item use) were evaluated. METHODS: Six-grade 6 classrooms at 3 different schools were recruited, each with 1 intervention and 1 control class. Demographic information and sun safety knowledge and habits were assessed in early April 2024 using a validated questionnaire. Starting in mid-April 2024, the intervention classes received the 3 interventions. The questionnaire was re-administered to all classes in mid-June 2024. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. RESULTS: A total of 111 students participated. The intervention classes showed positive trends in sun safety behaviours, including a greater increase in the number of sun safety items in school at follow-up and less of an increase in frequency of sunburns. Gender-based differences were also identified, such that female students exhibited lower overall baseline sun safety behaviours and a greater response to the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 interventions evaluated improved certain aspects of sun safety behaviors among children. Future research with longitudinal follow-up is needed to fully assess the impact of these interventions. However, given the low effort and cost, implementation of these interventions represents a low-barrier option to promote sun safety behaviours among children.