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Kids Health Info

Sun safety

  • Key points

    • UV or ultraviolet radiation is a type of energy from the sun.
    • Exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer.
    • If the UV Index Forecast is 3 or more, your child needs sun protection.
    • Children can get sunburnt in as little as 10 minutes.
    • Help your child be SunSmart: slip on clothes, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
    • Be a role model for your child and practice SunSmart behaviours so they are more willing to do the same.
    • Keep babies under 12 months out of direct sun when UV levels reach 3 or higher.

    Read the teen fact sheet

    The importance of sun protection

    Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than two in three Australians will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Thankfully, skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Teaching your child to protect themselves from the sun at a young age will set them up with good habits for the future.

    It is also important for you to practice good sun protection behaviours. Young people learn by watching their parents and caregivers. If you are sun-safe, your child will be more likely to copy you and protect themselves from the sun, too.

    What is UV radiation?

    Ultraviolet, or UV radiation, is a type of energy from the sun. There are three different types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA is the most common, but UVB is the cause of most sunburn.

    While some UV radiation is a key source of vitamin D, too much can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer.

    Measuring UV levels

    Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. Unlike light and heat from the sun, you cannot see or feel UV radiation. Some hot days have low UV levels, while some cold days have high UV levels.

    The UV Index puts UV levels into different categories. They are:

    • low (1 to 2)
    • moderate (3 to 5)
    • high (6 to 7)
    • very high (8 to 10)
    • extreme (11 and above).

    You can find the Australian UV Index Forecast on most weather websites and apps, including the Bureau of Meteorology and the free SunSmart app from Cancer Council.

    If the UV Index Forecast is 3 or more, your child needs protection from the sun. Research shows a strong link between UV sun damage in childhood and adolescence. Even one severe sunburn can increase a child’s risk of skin cancer later in life.

    In Victoria, UV levels usually reach 3 or more from mid-August to the end of April. UV levels are high year-round in other parts of Australia.

    Signs and symptoms of sun damage in children

    Sun damage can look different depending on skin colour.

    In lighter-skinned children, some common signs and symptoms of sun damage are:

    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Hot and sensitive skin
    • Itching
    • Blisters (in severe cases)
    • Peeling
    • Pain.

    In darker-skinned children, sun damage may not cause visible redness. Instead, your child may have:

    • Hot and sensitive skin
    • Itching
    • Flaking and/or peeling
    • Pain
    • Hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

    How to protect your child from the sun

    The best way to keep your child safe from the sun when the UV Index Forecast is 3 or more is by following Cancer Council’s five SunSmart steps: slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

    Sunscreen is a great way to defend against UV radiation, but you should always use it with other sun safety measures.

    Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70. This makes sun protection very important for all Australians.

    Slip on clothing
    • Dress your child in clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
    • Choose loose-fitting clothes that will not make your child too hot. Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are lighter than synthetics.
    • Some clothing has a UPF rating; this refers to how well it protects the skin and blocks UV.
      • There are four UPF ratings: 15, 30, 50 and 50+.

    Slop on SPF50 (or higher) sunscreen
    • Apply SPF50 (Sun Protection Factor 50) or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to your child’s face, arms, hands and any other skin areas that are not covered by clothing.
      • Two-year-olds = Need approximately two teaspoons of sunscreen for their whole body.
      • Five-year-olds = Need approximately three teaspoons of sunscreen for their whole body.
      • 10-year-olds = Need approximately five teaspoons of sunscreen for their whole body.
      • Older than 10 years = Need approximately six to seven teaspoons of sunscreen for their whole body – about the same as an adult.
    • Sunscreen lotions and creams are best.
      • Avoid aerosol spray sunscreen as it is hard to apply enough to get sufficient sun protection.
    • Put sunscreen on your child 20 minutes before they go outside.
    • Reapply your child’s sunscreen every two hours, or earlier if they have been sweating or in water.
    • If your child is under six months old, it is best to keep them in the shade, cover their skin with clothes and a hat, and limit the use of sunscreen to small, exposed areas of skin unless a doctor advises otherwise.

    Slap on a hat
    • Make sure your child wears a hat – broad-brimmed, legionnaire (hat with back flap), and bucket hats are best.
      • Baseball caps and visors do not provide enough protection from UV radiation.
    • Choose a hat that shades your child’s face, eyes, ears and the back of their neck.

    Seek shade
    • Try to keep your child in the shade when outdoors, where possible.
      • Use trees for natural shade, or set up your own umbrella or gazebo.
      • Many high-quality shades will have a UPF rating.
    • UV radiation can still reach your child in the shade, so they should still wear a hat, sunscreen, and suitable clothing.
    • Where possible, limit time spent outdoors during the peak UV period in the middle of the day.

      Slide on sunglasses
      • Put a pair of wrap-around sunglasses on your child.
        • In Australia, sunglass lenses come in five categories based on their UV protection. Choose sunglasses for your child that are labelled category 2, 3 or 4.
        • Category 0 and 1 sunglasses do not provide enough UV protection.
      • Sunglasses with an elastic strap are great for babies and toddlers.

      Sun protection for children with darker skin

      Melanin is a substance the body makes that determines the colour of skin, eyes and hair. The more melanin someone has, the darker these features usually are.

      While melanin absorbs some UV radiation from the sun, it does not provide complete protection, so children with darker skin are still at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. It is still very important to practice SunSmart behaviours if your child has darker skin. For example, they should still wear long clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade.

      Tanning is when the body makes melanin in response to UV radiation from the sun. It is a sign of sun damage. There is nothing safe about a tan.

      How to care for sunburn at home

      Children can get sunburnt in just 10 minutes. Depending on how bad the burn is, it can take a few days or weeks to heal.

      Here are some ways to make your child feel more comfortable while their burn is healing:

      • Make sure your child drinks plenty of water so they do not get dehydrated.
      • Cool your child’s skin with cold compresses or cool baths.
        • Avoid ice, as it can damage the skin.
      • If your child is in pain, you can give them pain-relief medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
      • Keep your child indoors while healing to prevent further sun damage.
        • If they need to go outside, follow the five SunSmart steps.
      • Applying a topical steroid cream twice a day to the affected skin may help to relieve symptoms such as itching, pain and swelling.
        • Speak with a pharmacist for advice on the right product.
      • Try to stop your child from popping or picking at any blisters; this can cause an infection and slow healing.
      • You do not need to put anything on your child's blisters, but aloe vera or moisturiser may soothe their skin.
        • There is no scientific evidence to show that aloe vera heals sunburn.
        • Avoid using petroleum jelly as it traps heat.

      Heatstroke is when the body overheats. It is a medical emergency. If your child shows signs and symptoms of heatstroke, such as a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), headache, nausea and/or vomiting, take them to a hospital emergency department.

      When to get help

      Go to a hospital if:
      • your child shows signs and symptoms of heatstroke, such as fever (temperature of 38°C or more), headache, nausea and/or vomiting.

      See a doctor or health professional if:
      • your child has severe sunburn with large blisters, swollen skin and a lot of pain.

      Look after your child at home if:
      • they are drinking enough water.
      • their burn starts healing in a few days.
      • medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen helps their pain.

      Common questions about sun safety

      What does broad-spectrum sunscreen mean?

      Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against two types of UV: UVA and UVB. While UVA is more common, UVB is the cause of most sunburn. You should always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your child.

      What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

      Mineral and chemical sunscreens protect the skin from UV damage in different ways. One type has not been clinically proven to be ‘safer’ than the other. Mineral sunscreen acts as a physical barrier against UV radiation; it is thicker and often contains zinc. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV radiation through a chemical reaction; it is thinner.

      Why is sunscreen not recommended for young babies?

      Babies have very sensitive and absorbent skin. If your baby is under six months old, it is best to use other sun safety measures like keeping them out of direct sun when the UV Index Forecast is 3 or over, and protecting their skin with clothes, hats and shade. You can apply sunscreen to small, exposed areas of skin.

      There are many sunscreens made for babies and toddlers that are gentle on their skin. Most are physical sunscreens with ingredients like zinc. Test the sunscreen on a small area to make sure your child does not react.

      What time is the sun strongest during the day?

      The sun’s UV radiation is usually strongest between 10am and 4pm. During daylight savings (October to April in Victoria), 11am to 3pm is the highest risk period for sun damage.

      What should I look for when buying sunscreen?

      The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all Australian sunscreens to ensure they are safe and effective. Recent investigations into Australian sunscreens have shown that some do not meet the SPF rating on their packaging. Given the country's high rates of skin cancer, the TGA continue to recommend sunscreen as an important way to prevent the harms of ultraviolet radiation, together with other SunSmart measures. Any products that do not meet their listed SPF rating have been recalled and removed from shops.

      When buying sunscreen, always look for products rated SPF50+ that are broad-spectrum with an ‘AUST number’ printed on them – this means they are TGA-approved.

      Sunscreen is just one form of sun protection. To properly protect your child from the sun, you should combine sunscreen with other safety measures like a hat, sunglasses and long clothing.

      My child hates it when I put sunscreen on them. What can I do?

      If your child struggles to sit still when you put sunscreen on them, there are a few things you can try to make the process easier. You could turn sunscreen application into a game, encouraging your child to use it like face paint or draw pictures on their skin before rubbing it in. It may help your child to understand why sunscreen matters; try explaining that sunscreen acts like a superhero’s shield to protect them from the sun.

      My teen enjoys tanning. Is this dangerous?

      A tan is a sign of skin damage. While your teen may want to get a tan in summer, there is strong evidence to show that these behaviours at a young age can increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Tanning or trying to get a tan can also expose your teen to too much sun. In serious cases, this may cause their body to overheat, leading to heat stress, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.

      You should strongly encourage your teen to protect their skin from the sun and practice SunSmart behaviours, such as wearing a hat and long clothing, and staying in the shade when outside.

      How much sun does my child need to help their vitamin D levels?

      When the UV Index Forecast rises to 3 or more, about 10 minutes of sun exposure per day in the morning or afternoon is enough for most children to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Children with lighter skin will get vitamin D from the sun more quickly than people with darker skin.

      Some children may not get enough vitamin D from sun exposure alone. It is safer to consider vitamin D supplements rather than spending more time in the sun. Speak with your child’s doctor for advice.

      Does my child need to wear sunscreen at the snow?

      Your child should wear sunscreen at the snow, as there is a high risk of sun damage to exposed skin. This is because UV is more intense at high altitudes than at low altitudes, and the snow can reflect up to 90 per cent of UV radiation.

      Make sure you apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed parts of your child's body 20 minutes before they go outside and reapply it every two hours.

      When should my children start having skin checks for moles?

      It is normal for children and teens to develop new moles over time. Children do not usually need regular skin checks with a doctor in the way that adults do. However, if you are worried about any moles on your child or changes to their skin, it is best to speak with their doctor.

      From their late teens, your child should start looking out for worrying changes to their skin. For example, if they have a mole that suddenly changes shape or starts bleeding, they should see their doctor.

      Should I send my child to school with sunscreen?

      On days with a UV Index Forecast of 3 or more, you should make sure your child is wearing sunscreen when they go to school. It is a good idea for your child to take their own sunscreen to school so they can reapply it throughout the day.

      This podcast is also available in audio format below, and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

      For more information


      Developed by The Royal Children’s Dermatology department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

      Reviewed December 2025

      Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


    Disclaimer

    This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

    Updated July 2025

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