Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Safeguard Children from the Onset of Skin Cancer


Skin cancer is a phenomenon that is becoming more common with time. Parents and guardians are becoming more concerned and are asking about steps that can help them prevent or at least reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Most parents and guardians believe keeping the younger ones away from direct sunlight is the way to go. However, outdoor activities are beneficial, both physically and psychologically. This means that it’s still important that your child does get the chance to spend some quality time outside.

When letting your children outdoors, there a number of ways that you can look to safely protect them against the dangers of skin cancer when they are outside, exposed to the sunlight. This article discusses some of these procedures.

How to Protect your Child from Skin Cancer

For those who live in warm climates that receive plenty of sunshine all-year round such as Australia, parents are faced with the question: ‘what are the most effective methods of protecting my child from skin cancer and the harms of UV rays?’ The answers to that question are listed below.

Start early

Preventive measures should be used beforehand. That is precisely why it is termed preventive. A measure to be taken before risk develops or even progresses.

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen should be done in practical ways. For example, you should apply sunscreen at least twenty minutes before leaving the house. This means that a child who is already out on the beach playing with sand, must already have sunscreen applied to them. Waiting to apply the sunscreen even 10-15 mins after they’ve begun playing outside, can be harmful.

Ignore the myths

Perhaps what is more dangerous than not taking preventive measures against a disease, is accepting myths that surround the disease.

Myth 1: any item of clothing provides suitable protection

The first step against skin cancer which most of us are familiar with, involves protecting the skin from direct sunlight by covering up. It pays to cover up, and it is indeed an excellent preventive measure. However, children are often told to cover up in clothing that doesn’t adequately protect the skin. Suitable clothing that can help against the sun's rays are clothing that cannot be seen through, held up to the sun.

Myth 2: a slight tan is fine

Many people are under the impression that a light tan is incapable of doing any serious harm to their skin. In reality, even a light tan involves the skin turning brown, which means the skin cells are trying to put up an umbrella covering themselves, which means each cell is under stress. And each time a child burns, their risk of developing skin cancer 20-30 years later is greatly increased. Therefore, children ought to be protected from skin burns and skin tans.

Myth 3: when the weather is overcast, the children are safe

While this seems logical, since the sky is covered with clouds, and you cannot feel the UV rays beating down on you, in reality, the sun's deadly UV rays are still present.

Conclusion

Whatever the weather conditions may be outside, when your child’s skin is exposed for even a matter of minutes, you must ensure that their skin is properly protected, using the methods outlined in this article.

Learning through imitation is one of the most effective ways to teach children how to safely protect their skin from the harms of sunlight. When children notice their parents doing something, they subconsciously pick it up. This is an excellent way to establish good habits in your children from an early age.

Practicing skin protection measures like regular use of sunscreen, monitoring your skin and theirs, seeking shades during the day's heat, and regular skin checks will go a long way to influence how they care for their skin throughout the course of their entire life.

Health Features

TPD Claims & Super: What Does It All Mean?

Many Australians hear the term "TPD" in relation to their superannuation and feel completely lost. If you're scratching your head, wondering what it means or whether you might have this...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly impact their quality of life.  To better support clients with...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called invisible braces in Melbourne and...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebuild the socket...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event called osseointegration, where living...

TPD Claims & Super: What Does It All Mean?

Many Australians hear the term "TPD" in relation to their superannuation and feel completely lost. If you're scratching your head, wondering what it...

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a ...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...