HRH Princess Beatrice Calls for More Sun Safety

British Skin Foundation (BSF) patron, HRH Princess Beatrice of York, visited a London school yesterday to highlight the importance of sun safety from a young age. Backing the BSF’s ‘More, More, More’ sun safety campaign, HRH joined an assembly of 9-10 year-olds at St Mary’s & St John’s CE School in north London to learn about sun safety.

Led by BSF representatives Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto and Head of Communications, Lisa Bickerstaffe – HRH listened as the team explained the importance of wearing more protective clothing, using more sunscreen and seeking more shade during the summer months.

After busting the myths and finding out the facts about sun safety, the children presented their own sun safety posters to HRH and the BSF team. The children were also given their own BSF wide-brimmed hats to protect themselves from UV rays during the summer holidays.

The importance of sun safety from a young age

At the BSF, we believe that prevention is better than cure, so it’s vital to take sun safety measures seriously from childhood. HRH Princess Beatrice agreed saying, “Protecting your skin from a young age is essential for overall skin health. It was fantastic to see the children at St Mary’s & St John’s learning about the British Skin Foundation’s ‘More, More, More campaign.”

Sun safety in schools

This summer, the BSF surveyed parents in the UK to find out more about sun safety attitudes in schools and beyond. We found that 60% of parents surveyed agreed that staff encourage sun safe behaviours in school, but only 15% say their children are taught about sun safety in lessons.

Just 20% of parents say that schools have signs reminding pupils about sun safety and 15% report that there are no sun safety measures at their child’s school. Only 8% of schools provide sunscreen dispensers for student use. 69% of parents surveyed say their child’s school doesn’t remind parents about sun safety measures for their child. 

Arguably, it is down to parents to ensure that their children are educated in skin health matters, but as schools play a vital role in shaping young people for adult life, they provide a perfect platform to reinforce advice on health and wellbeing.

Aaron Doherty, Headteacher at St Mary’s & St John’s Primary school said, “We believe that through education we are giving children at our school the tools to protect their skin during the summer months and beyond. Thank you to HRH Princess Beatrice and the British Skin Foundation for their help spreading the sun safety message.”

Concerns from parents about sunscreen

Our survey also indicated that over a quarter of parents, 26%, are discouraged from applying sunscreen to their children since sunscreen is too messy. One in five parents worry about the effects of sunscreen ingredients on their child’s health and 11% are concerned that their child won’t get enough vitamin D.

The British Skin Foundation advises that parents who are worried about sunscreen, vitamin D or any other aspects of sun safety should seek insight from a consultant dermatologist, their GP or trusted sources such as the British Skin Foundation website http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/sun-safety.