Does your child’s school bag contain sunscreen? It should!

We’re back in the swing of the school year and that means ensuring books, pens, pencils and lunchboxes, among others, are packed into children’s school bags daily. But what about the sunscreen? This item is often overlooked as it is not considered a must-have.

a smart decision

“However,” says Mario Correia, brand manager for Everysun, “while it may not be a traditional classroom essential, the inclusion of sunscreen in your child’s school bag is a smart and health-conscious decision. Living in a country like South Africa where the sun’s rays can be relentless during summer, protecting our children’s skin should always be a priority.”

Children should learn about caring for their skin and protecting it from sun damage from an early age. Applying a sunblock product should become part of daily routine and a tube of product should be included in every child’s school bag for reapplication during the day.

Also read our articles on sun safety here and here .

six reasons to include sunscreen in the school bag

Correia provides the following reasons why a sunblock product should be included as an essential school bag item.

1. Sunscreen helps to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Children have sensitive skin that is more susceptible to damage from the sun.
2. Including a sunblock product in the school bag encourages the habit of applying sunscreen regularly. Most importantly, it teaches children about the significance of protecting their skin from a young age, and promoting a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.
3. Students often engage in outdoor activities during school, whether it’s break time, physical education classes or field trips. Sunscreen is essential to protect their skin during these extended periods of outdoor exposure.
4. Sunburn not only damages the skin, but can also cause discomfort, pain and distraction, which can negatively impact a student’s ability to focus and participate in class activities.
5. UV rays can still be harmful even on cloudy days, so use sunscreen all year round. Applying sunscreen should become part of their daily routine, no matter the weather.
6. Regular use of sunscreen is a crucial preventive measure against skin cancer. By making sunscreen readily available to your child there is a better chance of instilling a sense of responsibility for their health and wellbeing from a young age.

small investment, big return

The inclusion of sunscreen in your child’s school supplies is a small investment with substantial returns. It goes beyond protecting the skin from immediate harm; it cultivates a culture of sun safety, minimises discomfort and plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of skin cancer.