NSW schools encouraged to boost UV protection as SunSmart competition launches 

Cancer Council NSW is calling on early childhood services and primary schools across the state  to ramp up their sun protection efforts, with the launch of the 2026 SunSmart Competition running now until April 30th. 

Australia experiences some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world,  resulting in the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma globally. With children spending  significant time outdoors every day, UV exposure in childhood is a major factor influencing  future skin cancer risk. 

“Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable,” said  Claire Osborne, Skin Cancer Prevention Programs Lead at Cancer Council NSW. “Establishing  sun safe habits early in life is crucial. When children learn positive behaviours around sun  protection, those habits can last for life.” 

SunSmart schools and early childhood services play a vital role in shaping lifelong sun safe  behaviours. By adopting and implementing a SunSmart policy, services help create consistent,  UV‑safe environments for children, educators, and local communities. 

Membership in the SunSmart Program supports schools and services to follow best‑practice  sun protection, including shade planning, sun‑protective uniforms, outdoor scheduling practices  and the regular use of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. 

The 2026 SunSmart Competition aims to increase the number of NSW schools and services  with a comprehensive, up‑to‑date SunSmart policy in place. Through a simple online entry  process, participants who ensure their school or service’s policy meets SunSmart best practice  will go into the draw to win a selection of sun safety prizes. 

“This competition helps accelerate impact at scale across NSW,” says Ms Osborne, “by  encouraging more schools and services to assess and strengthen their policies, we’re helping  protect thousands of children from harmful UV exposure.” She concludes.