The sun is shining, a cool breeze is blowing, and your kids are… indoors glued to their devices. Today’s children spend more time indoors in comparison to previous generations. Leisure activities, school, meals: they all take place inside. A study found that 8 to 18 year olds spend an average of 7½ hours a day in front of a screen. Sleep may be the only other activity that rivals that time commitment.
Just like plants, sunlight and the vitamin D our bodies require for optimal health, is necessary for the healthy growth and development of children. Here’s why you should make a conscious effort to get your children out of the house and into the fresh air and sunshine.
Positive Effects of Sunlight on Children
- Production of Vitamin D
Sunlight is one of the body’s primary sources of Vitamin D. Without this vital mineral, several bodily functions are affected like insulin resistance and the immune system. Vitamin D also optimizes the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for healthy bone development.
- Maintaining Circadian Rhythms
The body’s circadian rhythm refers to the internal biological clock regulating how alert you feel during the day and tired at night. Studies suggest that sunshine helps to regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Children who spend more time outdoors can sleep better at night, which has a direct effect on their ability to function during the day.
- Mood Booster
Sunlight is believed to increase serotonin levels in the brain, the hormone associated with regulating emotions and moods. Increased levels of the “happiness hormone” are related to feelings of joy, happiness, and general well-being in children.
UV Rays and Harmful Effects of the Sun on Children’s Skin
There are benefits to getting your kids into the sun, but if not checked, it can be their skin’s worst enemy.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and this reaches the surface of the earth in the form of UVA and UVB rays. These rays cannot be seen or felt but can be very harmful to your skin.
Eye damage: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation without any protection can damage the retina and cornea, as well as play a role in the development of cataracts.
Sunburn: Your child’s skin is thinner and more delicate than yours and thus more sensitive to UV radiation. This means that a short period of sun exposure without any protection can result in sunburn. In extreme cases, the reddening of the skin can cause blistering.
Skin cancer: Studies have shown that severe sunburns experienced during childhood significantly increase the chances of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer later in life.
Is Sunscreen Your Only Line of Defense in Sun Protection?
Sunlight has its benefits and drawbacks, and you need to understand what to do to keep your children safe. Mentioning “the c-word” may already have you shopping online for the best sunscreen for kids.
Here are some few tips on picking the right sunscreen:
- Know your SPF – SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a relative measure of how well a product will protect you from UV radiation. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Broad-spectrum is the best – Most sunscreens offer protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and skin cancers. However, UVA rays also play a role in skin cancer formation. That’s why it’s best to choose broad-spectrum sunscreen, which offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Sunscreen isn’t waterproof – No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. For those that claim to be water-resistant, check the label and see whether it specifies how long it lasts (40 or 80 minutes) once a person is exposed to water. As a general rule, sunscreen should be applied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
But what about your child who has not hit the 6-month mark? The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation advise against sunscreen use for infants less than six months old unless it’s necessary.
You can’t rely on sunscreen alone to protect your children from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen works hand in hand with other sun-protective measures that include clothing, accessories like hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade.
The 5 S’s of Sun Safety To Keep Your Kids Safe
- Slip!
Slip on clothing that covers as much of your child’s body as possible. These days many new items of clothing and fabrics come with a UPF label. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is a measure of how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. UPF 50+ ratings are the best. Choose long sleeve swimwear that is made from sun-protective materials with a rating of UPF 50+ when your child goes swimming or does other water activities.
- Slop!
Slop on some sunscreen before your kids head out into the sun. You want to use products that have zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the outer ears, nose, and tops of little feet.
- Slap!
Slap on a swimming hat with a broad brim of at least 3 inches that shades your child’s ears, face, and neck. Baseball caps are not the best because they don’t shade the neck and ears. Instead, go for a bucket-style hat with a tight-knit weave or one made of UPF-rated fabric. A loosely constructed straw hat will still let in the UV rays.
- Seek!
Seek shade as often as you can, especially for toddlers and babies. UV radiation levels are highest between 9 am and 4 pm. UV levels of 3 and above are considered harmful. You can use the SunSmart app or visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to check the UV levels for your area before letting the kids head out. According to the Cancer Council Australia, a few minutes of direct UV exposure is considered safe and healthy for babies when the UV levels are below 3 (early morning and late afternoon).
- Slide!
Slide on sunglasses that provide sun protection for your child when he or she is outdoors in daylight hours. Invest in quality sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays or block UV absorption up to 400 nanometers (nm). Choose wrap-around sunglasses or a pair with a soft elastic strap to keep it in place.
Remember, limited and safe sunlight exposure is important for a child’s wellbeing. Just be sensible, be sun smart and enjoy safe play time outdoors.
Final Words…
The sun is both beneficial and harmful to children. It’s essential to understand both aspects sp that you can develop a good sun protection routine for your kids. It would be best if you used more than sunscreen to keep your little one safe in the sun. Your child copies what you to do; if you practice sun safety, your child is more likely to do it too.
BIO: Anita White is the passionate owner of Sandy Feet Australia; the fashionable sun safe kids swimwear brand based on the Sunshine Coast. She loves exploring the outdoors with her husband and two kids and of course, in a sun safe manner!
