In The Field

Twinkl and Cancer Council team up to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention

Freya Lucas

Dec 08, 2021

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Educational resource digital publisher Twinkl and the Cancer Council’s SunSmart Program have joined forces to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and sun protection.

Twinkl worked alongside the SunSmart team to create a range of resources that can be used in educational settings and for home learning, including teaching resources, classroom activities and display materials.

The resources recognise that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in the country and an estimated 16,878 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in Australia in 2021. Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, which is why it is so important to educate on the dangers of UV exposure, to help equip the next generation to enjoy the sun safely.

The SunSmart Program aims to educate people on the dangers of UV exposure and the preventative steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from skin and eye damage and skin cancer.

Many children are in early childhood education and care (ECEC) or school-based settings when daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak, meaning education settings are uniquely placed to help protect from UV exposure and educate about sun protection behaviours.

These resources aim to support educators and parents to engage children in exploring why sun protection is important and developing independent skills on how to best protect from UV.

“Essentially, we owe it to our children and to generations to come to help them better understand this important topic through education, by helping them learn and develop healthy habits for life,” said Rebecca Usherwood, Twinkl Australia Country Manager.

“With Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and high UV levels, it’s important to develop healthy sun protection habits for life. Teachers play an important role in raising awareness about the how and why of sun protection. These lessons aim to encourage children to adopt sun protective behaviours that reduce UV exposure and skin cancer risk,” added Justine Osborne, SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program Manager.

To access the resources please see here, or visit the SunSmart page.

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