New research from The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) has revealed half of teenagers say they’d prefer to look suntanned, with a quarter falsely believing a suntan will protect them from skin cancer. Dermatologists say it’s an alarming finding, with Australia facing one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
The National Child Health Poll surveyed more than 1,400 Australian parents as well as one of their children aged between 12 and 17 about tanning, sunburn and their knowledge of sun safety.
Key findings
- Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of teens report being sunburnt at least once over a six-month period, with close to half (44 per cent) burnt multiple times.
- Pro-tanning attitudes are common among teens, with half (49 per cent) saying they prefer to look suntanned and one in four falsely believing a tan protects them from skin cancer.
- The majority of teens (60 per cent) did not use adequate sun protection when outdoors during peak UV times.
- only one in four teens (22 per cent) know how to tell when sun protection is needed, with just 5 per cent aware that when the UV index is 3 or more, sun protection is necessary.
Dr Anthea Rhodes, Paediatrician and Director of the National Child Health Poll says the research found the majority of teens aren’t properly protecting themselves from the sun, and may be unaware that they are increasing their risk of skin cancers.
‘We know there’s a lot of trends on social media that highlight tan lines and even promote sunburn, and teenagers might not fully understand the risk tanning or sun exposure can pose,’ Dr Rhodes explains.
‘That same slogan still rings true – there’s nothing healthy about a suntan, it’s your skin’s response to harm from the sun.’
Ten minutes, ten years old
It can take as little as ten minutes for a child or teen to suffer skin damage from the sun.
‘While it’s not common to see young children with skin cancer, it sadly does happen in children as young as ten,’ explains dermatologist Dr Susan Robertson. ‘Teens may think skin damage isn’t something that will affect them until later in life, but we know that’s not true.
‘Even one severe sunburn in childhood is enough to increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer,’ said Dr Robertson.
This is why all five forms of sun protection – not just sunscreen – are important any time the UV index is three or more.
What to do
Emma Glassenbury, Head of SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria said even on a cloudy or cool day, it’s important to check the free SunSmart Global UV app and plan accordingly.
‘We recommend keeping a wide brim hat, sunnies, and sunscreen near the door ready when you leave the house. Pack covering clothing to throw on over bathers or during outdoor activities and seek shade wherever possible.
‘Summer is a great time to be outdoors, but we want everyone to do so safely!’ Ms Glassenbury said.
If you or your child is sunburnt, make sure they stay hydrated and try simple measures like a cool compress to relieve discomfort. In more severe cases, they may benefit from pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If severe blistering develops, or there are signs of heat stroke such as headache, nausea or vomiting, seek urgent medical review.
The National Child Health Poll is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.
