'Pupils offered poor sun protection'

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A survey of 345 primary schools found that 44 per cent had no shaded area in the playground, despite activities being scheduled between 10am and 2pm when the sun is at its strongest.

The study, for the British Association of Dermatologists, also found that 95 per cent had no documented sun protection policy, although 80 per cent of staff said this was necessary.

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A survey of 345 primary schools found that 44 per cent of pupils had no shaded area in the playground, despite activities being scheduled between 10am and 2pm when the sun is at its strongest.

Dermatologist Mary Laing, who will present the study at the Association's conference in Birmingham this week, said: "Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. All types of skin cancer are largely preventable through limiting exposure to UV radiation in sunlight."

Exposure to UV radiation from the sun and a history of sunburn in childhood were a cancer risk, she said.

"School policies addressing sun protection are therefore an important issue.

"Schools are an appropriate venue for sun protection programmes as learning sun protective behaviour at school may lead to protective behaviour outside school also."

The survey was carried out among schools in the south east of Ireland.

It also found that the school uniform included hats in 24 per cent of schools, shorts in 38 per cent, and short sleeves in 66 per cent.

Only 55 per cent of schools allowed pupils to wear sunglasses during outdoor activities.

The use of sun cream was encouraged in only 55% of schools, mainly on excursions.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "It is thought that just a couple of cases of sunburn as a child could as much as double your chance of getting skin cancer later in life.

"That's why we are working hard to promote sun safety information to schools with leaflets and posters, and we hope this study will encourage schools to be more sun savvy and take steps to protect their students."