UK School kids are at increased risk of developing cancer as teachers can no longer help to apply sunscreen.
Due to concerns staff members will be accused of child abuse if they directly apply sun lotion to children, one in five youngsters are said to be returning home with sunburn, reports The Mirror.
Several schools have introduced a blanket ban on touching as they are wary of facing potential allegations of misconduct.
Touching pupils is not banned under government guidelines, but states it can be done on occasions ‘when physical contact… with a pupil is proper and necessary’.
The controversial ‘no touch’ policies in some schools is thought to be increasing children’s’ risk of getting sunburnt as adults cannot help them properly apply sun protection.
A survey by Garnier Ambre Solaire found that nearly two thirds of parents – 64 per cent – want the rules relaxed.
And just under half, 46 per cent, said they felt the job should be shared at home and at school.
The skin care brand found there was a ‘confusion of responsibility’ between parents and teachers.
The call for change comes as a survey of 2,000 parents found one in five children returned home from school or nursery with sunburn during summer, which dropped to a third during winter.
Karen Fagg, Headteacher at Park Primary School in Doncaster, said the problem was harder with younger children.
‘There is huge stigma attached to teachers applying sun lotion directly to children’s skin.”
Matthew Patey, British Skin Foundation CEO, said: “Being aware of sun protection is an essential life skill all children need to be educated in.
“Sunburn can cause serious long term damage but suitable clothing such as hats, sunglasses and long sleeved t-shirts, alongside frequent application of sun lotions and sprays, greatly minimises the risk.
“Parents, teachers and suncare brands all play a key role in making this process as easy as possible for children”.
MoM says….
While this is not something I believe is an issue in Australia? (correct me if I am wrong! It happens lol) I believe our children have always been encouraged from a young age to apply the sunscreen themselves with supervision from caregivers. It is not something you can expect a teacher to do for 20+ kids!
What does your school or daycare generally do?
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- 09 Oct 2017
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- 09 May 2017
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