A UK-wide education campaign, supported by TV doctor Chris Steele, has been launched to help counteract common myths around sun exposure and help to reduce the risk to children.

SunSense, Australia’s number one sunscreen, is launching the Sun Sensible campaign to help educate parents and children on the facts about sun protection.

Celebrity doctor Chris Steele, who himself has suffered four skin cancers as a result of over exposure to the sun, said: “Sun protection is a serious matter and parents need to understand the facts so they can protect their family from the risks of sun damage.”

The three-month campaign, which is also being supported by the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA) and the British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG), provides primary schools and nurseries with educational activity packs designed to teach them how to protect themselves, with important messages including:

• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• The higher the SPF the better (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends at least SPF 15).
• Reapply every 2 hours. Remind children how to apply the cream.
• Be careful to cover all exposed skin.
• Cover up with clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Karen Kennedy, marketing manager at SunSense, said: “By educating children from a young age we hope to instill important messages about sun protection so that they can start taking responsibility for their own skin and share their knowledge with the whole family.”

The campaign launches with a competition for school pupils to design a T-shirt to promote sun safety messages. Schools that enter can win outdoor equipment and shade areas for pupils.

SunSense, a range of SPF50 and 50+ sunscreens, is available from leading independent pharmacies, John Lewis, Waitrose and Ocado. Register for the free Sun Sensible school resource pack which includes free lesson plans, exclusive discounts on sun cream and much more by visiting www.sunsense.co.uk