Dr Amy Perkins
Resources for Schools, Clubs and Organisations
This summer, Scotland is heading to the World Cup, and we want every young fan to enjoy the sunshine safely while cheering on our team! And schools, clubs and organisations all have an important role to play in promoting sun safety.
Sun exposure can damage the skin, causing painful sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life. Even one severe sunburn during childhood can increase these risks, which is why building sun safe habits early is so important.
To support sun safety, children receive a football-inspired fandana and SPF 50 sunscreen, helping them form healthy habits from a young age.
The Sun Safe Scotland campaign is providing primary school children in Dundee with two free tools to
support safer outdoor play:
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A fandana - a versatile football-themed bandana that can be worn in multiple ways for sun protection
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SPF 50 sunscreen to encourage regular sunscreen use
Let’s look at how easy it is to be sun safe with the five S’s!
1. Slip on dark-coloured clothing to protect against UV rays.
2. Slop on SPF 50 sunscreen with 5 UVA stars.
3. Slap on your fandana and a wide-brimmed hat. You can even soak your fandana in water to keep cool!
4. Slide on UV-protective sunglasses.
5. Shade from the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.
We also encourage organisations to take the following practical steps to protect young people’s skin:
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Encourage children to bring sun cream, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles.
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Build regular sunscreen reminders into outdoor activities.
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Provide access to shaded areas where possible.
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Schedule breaks from direct sunlight during peak UV hours.
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Promote inclusive messaging that all skin tones can experience sun damage.
This World Cup summer is a brilliant chance to connect football, outdoor activity and health education in a positive and memorable way. By working together, schools and organisations across Scotland can ensure children enjoy the sunshine safely, whether they’re on the pitch, in the playground, or on the sidelines.
Sun Safe Scotland caught up with Scottish FA Regional Manager, Sam Lawson, to discuss the importance of developing sun safe habits in childhood, and her own experience with melanoma.
We Can Ah Kick A Ba... we may speak a different language, we might look different, we can have different beliefs and we will live different lifestyles... but, We Can Ah Kick A Ba.
