The SunSafe Project

Promoting Safe Sun Behaviours in Teenagers

Too much sun exposure in childhood and as a teenager is harmful, increasing the risk for skin cancers in later life. Even with education about the risks, teenagers in Western Australia are sun-seeking, with tanned skin desirable. Sunburn is common, and increases the risk of developing melanoma - the most common cancer of young adults. However, regular exposure to non-burning levels of sunlight is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones.

New strategies are required to better support young people make healthy and balanced decisions around sun protection and sun exposure. In this project we will develop an online tool (app) which promotes safe sun exposure practises in teenagers. The online tool will be developed with the input of young teenaged co-researchers, and its usability and capacity to improve sun health knowledge and behaviours pilot tested in young teenagers. This tool will aim to improve the knowledge and behaviours that young teenagers have around sun protection and exposure, and how to best balance their needs to both limit the damage of excessive sun exposure and receive enough for vitamin D.