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Articles: Sun warnings are ignored

Posted by admin on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 02:13 AM

PARENTS are ignoring cancer warnings over keeping children safe in the sun, a new survey has revealed.
More than a third of parents questioned by Cancer Research UK admitted their child had suffered sunburn - despite the majority knowing this can cause skin cancer. The survey comes in the wake of comments by Wales' teachers' unions that schoolchildren could be prevented from playing outdoors in hot weather if parents don't give their children the correct protective equipment or clothing. The cancer charity is this week launching a poster with the caption Kids Cook Quick to drive home the message youngsters should be protected against the sun's harmful UV rays. The poster, launched to coincide with Sun Awareness Week, features two sunburnt children sitting on a beach and is being sent to every GP surgery in Wales as well as 19,000 nurseries across the UK. Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Sara Hiom said, "This poster has been created to help remind parents to protect their children. "Our survey shows that just over three-quarters of parents know that it's never OK for a child to go red in the sun, but they may not always realise that young skin can burn very quickly, in as little as 10 minutes." Members of Wales' leading teaching unions last month warned that the nation's teachers are in a "no-win" situation because they are advised not to apply sun cream to children and yet they may face legal action if a child gets sunburnt in the school playground. Meanwhile, the SunSmart campaign says youngsters and adults should avoid the sun in the middle of the day, cover up with hat, T-shirt and sunglasses and use sunscreen of factor 15 or higher. The survey of more than 200 parents found that 41% liked to see their children with a tan, with most believing it made them look more healthy.

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