A multiple-methods study of the SKCIN Sun Safe Schools international programme 2012-23: promoting sun safety and empowering behavioural change in primary education.

Abstract

Sun protection education in schools is crucial to prevent skin cancer; however, there is a lack of published international literature regarding this topic. The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer (SKCIN) charity developed and launched the online and openly available education programme called 'Sun Safe Schools' (SSS) in 2012. SSS has four steps and is targeted at the English primary school curriculum. To evaluate the outcomes of SSS by reporting regional distribution and exploring themes from online feedback surveys. Descriptive statistics of school registration data by year and geography were summarized. The free-text feedback provided by registered schools in the UK from 2017 onwards was analysed using thematic analysis. Feedback was categorized inductively to develop themes for the strengths and challenges of SSS using a grounded theory approach until data saturation. During 2012-23, 3389 schools were registered, reaching approximately 845 000 children. Of the 1825 (53.9%) primary schools that agreed to participate in the research, 1477 (80.9%), 161 (8.8%), 64 (3.5%), 9 (0.5%) and 114 (6.2%) were in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and outside the UK, respectively. Four primary themes were identified from the feedback provided by primary schools registered in UK from 2017 to 2023. (i) Clear, accessible sun-safe policy and resources: schools appreciated the practicality and adaptability of the resources provided to promote sun safety both in school settings and at home. (ii) Parent and student engagement: they were actively engaged in activities, assembly discussions and lessons, enjoying elements like songs and quizzes. (iii) Adoption of sun-safe behaviours: students applyied sunscreen, sought shade and wore bucket hats rather than baseball caps. (iv) Responsibility and empowerment: students took the initiative to apply sunscreen in school more independently and shared their knowledge of sun-safe behaviours with their parents. The SKCIN SSS programme has promoted sun safety in primary schools for over 10 years, reaching approximately 845 000 children. These findings emphasize its utility in engaging students in sun-safe behaviours and raising awareness. Integrating a mandated sun-safe policy in all schools and ensuring ongoing adherence will provide vital education to help reduce skin cancer and mitigate the burden of cost to the National Health Service.