Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Safeguard Children from the Onset of Skin Cancer


Skin cancer is a phenomenon that is becoming more common with time. Parents and guardians are becoming more concerned and are asking about steps that can help them prevent or at least reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Most parents and guardians believe keeping the younger ones away from direct sunlight is the way to go. However, outdoor activities are beneficial, both physically and psychologically. This means that it’s still important that your child does get the chance to spend some quality time outside.

When letting your children outdoors, there a number of ways that you can look to safely protect them against the dangers of skin cancer when they are outside, exposed to the sunlight. This article discusses some of these procedures.

How to Protect your Child from Skin Cancer

For those who live in warm climates that receive plenty of sunshine all-year round such as Australia, parents are faced with the question: ‘what are the most effective methods of protecting my child from skin cancer and the harms of UV rays?’ The answers to that question are listed below.

Start early

Preventive measures should be used beforehand. That is precisely why it is termed preventive. A measure to be taken before risk develops or even progresses.

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen should be done in practical ways. For example, you should apply sunscreen at least twenty minutes before leaving the house. This means that a child who is already out on the beach playing with sand, must already have sunscreen applied to them. Waiting to apply the sunscreen even 10-15 mins after they’ve begun playing outside, can be harmful.

Ignore the myths

Perhaps what is more dangerous than not taking preventive measures against a disease, is accepting myths that surround the disease.

Myth 1: any item of clothing provides suitable protection

The first step against skin cancer which most of us are familiar with, involves protecting the skin from direct sunlight by covering up. It pays to cover up, and it is indeed an excellent preventive measure. However, children are often told to cover up in clothing that doesn’t adequately protect the skin. Suitable clothing that can help against the sun's rays are clothing that cannot be seen through, held up to the sun.

Myth 2: a slight tan is fine

Many people are under the impression that a light tan is incapable of doing any serious harm to their skin. In reality, even a light tan involves the skin turning brown, which means the skin cells are trying to put up an umbrella covering themselves, which means each cell is under stress. And each time a child burns, their risk of developing skin cancer 20-30 years later is greatly increased. Therefore, children ought to be protected from skin burns and skin tans.

Myth 3: when the weather is overcast, the children are safe

While this seems logical, since the sky is covered with clouds, and you cannot feel the UV rays beating down on you, in reality, the sun's deadly UV rays are still present.

Conclusion

Whatever the weather conditions may be outside, when your child’s skin is exposed for even a matter of minutes, you must ensure that their skin is properly protected, using the methods outlined in this article.

Learning through imitation is one of the most effective ways to teach children how to safely protect their skin from the harms of sunlight. When children notice their parents doing something, they subconsciously pick it up. This is an excellent way to establish good habits in your children from an early age.

Practicing skin protection measures like regular use of sunscreen, monitoring your skin and theirs, seeking shades during the day's heat, and regular skin checks will go a long way to influence how they care for their skin throughout the course of their entire life.

Health Features

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new generation of clinics that combine traditional bedside manner...

The Comprehensive Guide to Physiotherapy: Benefits & Techniques

It employs hands-on care, movement and advice to aid recovery and prevent further issues. Individuals of all stages of life utilize physiotherapy for pain, muscular strength, balance, or joint concerns...

What Can Be Funded by the NDIS? A Guide to Approved Supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to empower Australians with disability by providing funding for supports that improve independence, social participation, and overall quality of life. However, navigating...

What Causes Depression? Biological, Psychological, and Social Triggers Explained

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life—from sleep and energy levels to relationships and sense of self-worth. It’s more than just...

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit for Your Workplace

Ever walked past your workplace first aid kit and wondered if that dusty box actually contains what you'd need in a real emergency? We know that feeling!  Most Australian business owners...

From White Belt To Warrior: How To Train Your Body For BJJ Endurance

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as much a mental chess match as it is a physical grind. Whether you’re new to the mats or prepping for high-level competition, developing endurance is...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australiaâ...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

Understanding the Benefits of Split System Installation for Your Home

Climate control is essential to maintaining comfort in your home, especially during the extreme temperatures that many regions face. Whether you’r...

Best Aluminium Window Sliding Designs for Natural Light and Airflow

Bringing natural light and airflow into a space is one of the most efficient ways to create a healthy and comfortable home. In Sydney and across Aus...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutio...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a ...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation...

How to Choose the Right Horse Trailer for Your Riding Needs

Many horse owners travel long distances for riding lessons, competitions, or to move horses between properties. Having a safe and reliable trailer i...

Sydney Turf Installer for Instant Green Lawns and Long-Term Performance

Having a green lawn at home makes everything look better. Whether it’s the front yard, backyard, or a small patch beside the driveway, people in S...

Designing Better Living Spaces: Why New Kitchens in the Blue Mountains Are in High Demand

The Blue Mountains region is seeing a steady rise in home upgrades. According to recent housing data, kitchen renovations remain one of the most req...