Enjoying the outdoors is important for your health and wellness. But there are risks associated with unprotected exposure to the sun.

A few basic Sun Safety measures can help protect your child’s skin during the school day:

• Applying sun-screen prior to school that is SPF 15 or higher

• Encouraging your children to wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses during outdoor activities

• Dressing children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, like lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts

In Massachusetts’s schools, sunscreen is considered an over the counter medication. The required medication forms are available from your school nurse and must be completed prior to the application of sunscreen during the school day. Sunscreen must be provided by the parent and kept in each school’s health office.  For the overall safety of all of our students and to protect those who may have an allergy or medical condition, sunscreen should not be in spray form.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your children from sun exposure, please visit:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/children.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/CYCParentsBrochure.pdf

American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/...

En Espanol - https://www.healthychildren.org/spanish/safety-prevention/at-play/pagina...