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Sun exposure in the first 15 years of life, when children are at school, greatly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. But most skin cancer can be prevented, and schools have a vital role in ensuring children are protected from UV radiation. Cancer Council offers resources and support to schools throughout the Northern Territory to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Some facts: One in two Australians will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer in their lifetime Melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15-39 years Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life A 'SunSmart' school has a sun protection policy that meets The Cancer Council Northern Territory criteria. The purpose is to reduce student and staff exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to reduce sunburn and the risk of skin cancer. Why become a SunSmart School? Schools can reduce students' ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and risk of skin cancer because: students are at school when UV radiation levels are high to extreme schools are an appropriate place to teach and promote healthy behaviours schools, in partnership with families and their communities, can help reduce UV radiation exposure and change behaviour through policy, education and role modelling. Sun protection measures complement the OH&S and Duty of Care policies already in place in a school. A visual commitment to sun protection increases the profile of the school within the community. What is the SunSmart schools program? The SunSmart Primary School Program is a successful national skin cancer prevention program that supports schools to reduce student's exposure to UV radiation and therefore reduce their risk of skin cancer in later life. The program aims to increase the proportion of staff, students and families adopting sun protection measures by increasing their awareness of skin cancer and maintaining their commitment to sun protection.  A SunSmart policy addresses the Cancer Council’s SunSmart recommendations including the environment, behaviour and information. The recommendations are: Environment Scheduling outdoor activities Shade Behaviour Sun safe hats Sun safe clothing Sunscreen Role modelling of staff Sunglasses Information Curriculum Information to the school community Policy review. All Northern Territory primary schools are invited to become a SunSmart Primary School partner through a formal relationship with Cancer Council NT. The program recognises and values the sun protection principles a school is currently addressing while supporting the school to extend their commitment towards adoption of all SunSmart recommendations. Benefits of participating in the SunSmart program Becoming a SunSmart school highlights to the community your commitment and leadership to the health and welfare of staff and students in your care. Schools will receive a large metal SunSmart sign, certificate, and ongoing resources to support your school community in implementing effective sun protection measures. How to become a SunSmart school Becoming a SunSmart school is simple. Schools fill out an application form, attach their current sun protection policy and send it to: The Cancer Council NT PO Box 42719 Casuarina NT 0811 Download application forms and policy templates below. Primary School Application Form Sample Policy Form Policy Checklist Policy Review Form Hat guidelines for schools Secondary School UV Risk Reduction Sample Policy Form   How to become a SunSmart school Out of school hours care (OSHC) services The SunSmart Schools Program membership does not extend to OSHC services. OSHC services are required to have a written sun protection policy, which is actively implemented, as part of their quality assurance guidelines. To help, we have developed a sample sun protection policy for OSHC  and vacation care services to adopt and use. Cancer Council NT has a range of publications including booklets, brochures, information sheets and posters to promote and provide information about skin cancer and sun protection. Most resources can be downloaded to access these click on SunSmart Resources   For further information on becoming a SunSmart school please email: healthpromotion@cancernt.org.au