New school resources to help educate students about the dangers of spending too much time in the sun have been released to the State’s schools by the Cancer Institute NSW.
Developed in consultation with the Department of Education, SunSmart and other education sector representatives, the Sun and UV at School resources are aimed at helping students avoid the dangers of skin cancer.
The Department said Australia had one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and melanoma was the most common cancer that affected young Australians aged 15 to 24.
“New skin cancer prevention resources have been developed to help educate primary and secondary students about the dangers of spending too much time in the sun,” the Department said.
“The interactive resources align with the NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Science K-10 syllabuses and include complete units of work, individual lessons, animations, infographics and class activities,” it said.
Deputy Secretary for School Performance at the Department, Murat Dizdar said teachers played a crucial role in instilling health and wellbeing as a priority among students.
“Teachers can inspire the next generation of Aussie kids to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun,” Mr Dizdar said.
“We want NSW students to be active and conscious participants in making decisions that safeguard their health and for that reason, the NSW Department of Education is proud to support this initiative,” he said.
Mr Dizdar said that as part of the initiative the Cancer Institute NSW had launched a Sun and UV at School Challenge for NSW schools.
“The challenge focuses on the problem-solving elements found within the new resources and encourages students to design fun, functional and innovative spaces that provide essential shade for their school and community,” he said.
Further information on the Cancer Institute NSW’s resources can be accessed at this PS News link and information on the Sun and UV at School Challenge at this link.
