Introduction to Childhood Sun Safety Education Pilot

Children as young as five are being educated on how to check ultraviolet (UV) levels and apply sunscreen effectively. This initiative is part of a pilot program aimed at reducing future skin cancer cases, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.

The pilot is currently underway in primary schools across Kent and is planned for nationwide implementation in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons starting in 2026.

Background and Importance of Early Education

Melanoma and UV Exposure

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is strongly linked to UV exposure. Experts emphasize that sunburn during childhood significantly increases the risk of melanoma later in life. According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 18,300 people were diagnosed with melanoma in the UK in 2021, with projections estimating an increase to 21,300 by 2026.

Charity-Led Initiative

Michelle Baker from the Melanoma Fund, the charity behind this educational project, highlights the importance of changing children’s habits early to prevent melanoma, which is often seeded in childhood. The project aims to empower children by giving them control and responsibility over their sun protection, which supports SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

At Platt Primary School in Maidstone, pupils are learning to:

1. Read UV indexes
2. Apply sunscreen properly
3. Understand when sun protection is necessary

Headteacher Emma Smith reports that pupils have been very receptive, noting that early education increases the likelihood that children will retain this knowledge as they grow older, especially when influenced by social media.

No ‘Safe Tan’: Addressing Rising Melanoma Cases

The childhood sun safety campaign responds to concerns raised by Cancer Research UK regarding the rising melanoma cases among adults. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasizing prevention to reduce disease burden.

A recent study by Cancer Research UK found that cancer-related deaths cost the UK economy £10.3 billion annually, more than any other health condition, underscoring the economic importance of preventive health measures.

Expert Insights on Skin Cancer Prevention

Consultant dermatologist Dr. Katie Lacy stresses that educating children on skin care is crucial to lowering melanoma rates. Research indicates that 90% of melanoma cases are caused by UV exposure from the sun and sunbeds. Regular sunburn increases skin cancer risk, and there is no such thing as a “safe tan” since tanning results from skin damage.

Dr. Lacy also highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the NHS for screening suspicious moles, which could improve early detection and referral efficiency.

The ABCDE Checklist for Identifying Abnormal Moles

• A – Asymmetrical: Does the mole have an uneven shape?
• B – Border: Are the edges blurry or jagged?
• C – Colour: Is there uneven colour with different shades and tones?
• D – Diameter: Is the mole larger than others?
• E – Evolving: Is the mole changing, such as itching, bleeding, or becoming crusty?

Source: Cancer Research UK

Personal Testimony

Kara Leece, diagnosed with melanoma at 29, shares a personal perspective on the importance of early education. She believes that receiving sun safety education in primary school could have prevented her condition. Kara now shares her story with children to raise awareness and prevent similar cases, supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Tips for Keeping Children Sun Safe

• Keep children in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is strongest.
• Equip children with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers the skin.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and generously; it should be at least SPF 30 with four or five stars.

Source: Cancer Research UK

Conclusion

This educational pilot program contributes directly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education. By instilling sun safety habits early, the initiative aims to reduce melanoma incidence and promote healthier futures for the next generation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on reducing skin cancer cases, specifically melanoma, by educating children on sun safety and UV protection.
   • It addresses health education, prevention, and early detection of diseases.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The initiative integrates sun safety education into primary school curricula (PSHE lessons), promoting lifelong health awareness.
   • It emphasizes early education to influence healthy habits.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article mentions the economic cost of cancer to the UK economy (£10.3bn annually), highlighting the importance of preventative health measures to reduce economic burden.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote health and well-being.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances, which includes reducing economic losses due to health issues.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence rate of melanoma and other skin cancers (e.g., number of new melanoma cases diagnosed annually in the UK).
   • Mortality rate from melanoma and skin cancer.
   • Proportion of population with access to education on UV protection and sun safety.
   • Use of AI in early detection and screening of suspicious moles, potentially measured by referral rates and early diagnosis statistics.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Inclusion of sun safety education in school curricula (e.g., percentage of schools implementing the pilot program nationwide by 2026).
   • Knowledge retention and behavioral changes among children regarding sun protection.
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Economic cost of cancer to the national economy (e.g., annual financial losses due to cancer-related healthcare and productivity loss).
   • Reduction in economic burden through preventative health measures.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bbc.com