All schools and colleges must develop and implement a sun protection policy. The Department for Education, Children and Young People recommends that all schools and colleges join the National School SunSmart Program to assist in the development of their policy. 

Over-exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays causes sunburn, skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer. Inappropriate sun exposure in the first 18 years of life contributes significantly to the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. 

Schools play a significant role in reducing the lifetime risk of skin cancer. Our sun protection policy has been developed to ensure that all students, staff and the school community are protected from skin damage caused by harmful UV radiation from the sun. 

Sun protection is required when UV levels are 3 and above. In Tasmania, the UV is 3 and above usually from September to April. Therefore, schools need to implement sun protection measures from the beginning of the school year until the end of April and again from the beginning of September until the end of the school year. Implementing sun protection measures throughout Terms 1 and 4 only is insufficient to protect against UV rays risks.

At MHPS we encourage the following combination of sun protection measures from September to April, when average peak UV levels in Tasmania reach 3 and above:

• Sun-safe clothing
  
• Sunscreen
• Sun-safe hats
• Shade 
• Sunglasses