Should I run the competition in class if I have pupils with different colour skin types?
Everyone, even people with darker skin, can burn if the sun is strong enough. So the competition’s lessons, about enjoying the sun safely, are appropriate for everyone. But while anyone can develop skin cancer, some people do have a higher risk and need to take extra care, including those with fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer. Though we recognise it’s not a message that is easy to communicate to children, for adults we encourage getting to know their skin type and how their skin normally reacts in the sun. This knowledge can help them work out what they need to do to make sure they don’t get sunburnt. The UV index can be a useful guide to knowing when, and how much, protection is needed. More information about the UV index and skin types is available online.
