Protecting Children While They Play and Learn

Shade sails are a fantastic solution for schools looking to provide children with protection from the harsh Australian sun, whilst encouraging outdoor activities throughout the school day.  Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two out of three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, and 3600 Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma each year.  As children generally spend more time outdoors than adults, they endure greater periods of sun exposure and are at a greater risk of skin cancer; however, they are often unaware of the harmful effects of UV radiation. 

Communities are typically very cautious about ensuring children "slip, slop, slap" when they are at the beach or playing sports, but often inadvertently ignore the incidental UV radiation children are exposed to during their school day.  The peak period for UV radiation is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, when children are at school, and radiation is at its highest level around 1:00 pm when children are often outdoors on their lunch breaks.  In this digital age, children should be encouraged to be active outdoors during this time; however, it is imperative that they are adequately protected from the sun.  Children's skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation as it is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's.  This increases the risk of sun damage and sunburn, which is associated with an increased risk of melanoma later in life.  The use of shade sails in the school environment can ensure children receive the protection they need from UV radiation now and prevent skin cancer later in life.

Installation of shade sails can create not only sheltered playgrounds, but also flexible outdoor learning spaces.  They can provide protection and shelter for outdoor assembly areas, quadrangles, sports courts, green spaces, pedestrian access routes and transition areas.  Overlapping shade sails can ensure continuous sun protection across all areas in the schoolyard, with the use of different coloured shades creating distinct or special purpose zones.  Shade sails are available in various bright colours, which can also be used to create a fun and inviting environment in the school or kindergarten setting.  The advantages of the use of shade sails in schools and kindergartens are numerous, but most of all, they offer critically important UV protection for children whilst creating a safe, fun and creative environment for them to learn and grow in. For more information, contact a local shade sail company.