How do we protect school students from exposure to the sun?

Arab Weather - With the start of the new school year, there is an increasing need to educate society about the importance of protecting school students from exposure to the scorching sun, especially in areas with hot weather.

Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause serious health problems, such as sunburn, dehydration, sunstroke, and even an increased risk of skin cancer in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to take steps and measures to protect students while they are in schools. In this article, we will review some effective strategies to protect school students from sun exposure.

1. Schedule play and outdoor activities: Schools should schedule play and sports activities during times when the sun’s rays are less intense, such as early morning or late afternoon. It is best to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest.
2. Use of canopies and shaded areas: Schools can provide canopies and shaded areas in yards and playgrounds, allowing students to enjoy the outdoors without direct exposure to the sun. Trees can also be planted in open areas to provide natural shade.
3. Wearing hats and protective clothing: Encourage students to wear wide-brimmed hats that cover the face and neck, as well as lightweight, long-sleeved clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Schools can include these tips in their dress code or provide them as tips in educational flyers.
4. Use sunscreen: Teach students the importance of applying sunscreen to exposed areas of skin, such as the face and hands, before going outdoors. It is preferable to choose sunscreens with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and that are water resistant.
5. Provide drinking water regularly: Dehydration increases the risk of sun damage, so it is essential to have clean, cool drinking water available throughout the school. Students should be encouraged to drink water regularly, even if they are not thirsty.
6. Education and awareness: Schools should be responsible for educating students and staff about the dangers of sun exposure and ways to protect themselves. Lectures or workshops can be held on this topic, and brochures and flyers can be distributed with tips and advice.
7. Coordinating with parents: Involving parents in sun protection efforts is crucial. Schools can send reminders and tips via email or social media to parents about the importance of guiding their children to adhere to sun protection measures.
8. Leveraging Technology: Using apps and software that provide weather reports and the UV index can help with daily outdoor activity planning. Schools can teach students how to use these apps to stay safe.

Protecting school students from sun exposure is not just the responsibility of the school, but a shared responsibility between the school, parents, and the entire community. By adopting appropriate preventive measures, we can ensure the safety of our students and protect them from potential health risks, thus promoting a healthy and safe learning environment.

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