What are the Five S's of Sun Safety?
It may not feel like it yet, but it won’t be long before the spring sun comes out to brighten up our days and thaw the bitter frost. Then it’ll soon be time to get the sun cream and swimsuits out, ready for some hot days at the beach and holidays away to sunnier spots.
However, it’s important to remember that sunglasses aren’t just for summer, harmful UVs can still break through the clouds and cause damage to our eyes all year round. Sun safety in every season is crucial, especially in little ones, to keep their gentle skin and vulnerable eyes protected to avoid long-term damage.
In this blog, we’ll share the Five S’s of Sun Safety which is a fun way to remember the steps to take to keep yourself and others protected in the sun. But first, why are children more at risk of sun damage?
Why is Sun Safety so Important for Children?
Sun protection is especially important in young children, because their young eyes are most susceptible to the negative effects of UVs. Research suggests that we receive 80% of our lifetime exposure to UV rays before the age of 18. This is because, children’s eyes don’t process UV rays as effectively as adults, which could result in long-term problems that surface later in life.
Little ones have larger pupils and clearer lenses, which means that their eyes let more light in. The research shows that from 0-1 years, only 10% of UV rays are filtered, meaning that 90% of UV rays reach the retina. From 1-12 years, 40% of UV rays are filtered, but still 60% of UV rays still reach the retina with the potential to cause damage.
Sun safety is also crucial because on average, children spend more time outside in the sun than adults, playing and exploring which they should continue to do, but it’s just important to make sure they have sufficient protection and 100% UV protective sunglasses.
Babiators sunglasses feature 100% UVA/UVB protection, and, with one of our silicone straps, even the most lively of little ones can avoid their shades slipping off or getting lost.
The question is, how can you teach your child about sun safety, and how will you get them to remember the protective steps they need to take to look after their precious eyes and skin? Let us introduce you to the five S’s…
What are the Five Sun Safety S’s?
According to the NHS and various cancer charities, there are five important sun safety steps that you should take to ensure that all your most vulnerable areas are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
And luckily, there is a catchy and fun way to remember these steps that you could teach your little ones to help them remember too – the five S’s are Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Shade.
Slip on a t-shirt or UV protective clothing.
Slop on some sun cream with a protection rating of 30+.
Slap on a wide-brimmed sun hat to keep your face and neck safe.
Seek out some shade whenever possible to stay cool.
Slide on some top quality 100% UV protection sunglasses.
Teach your little one these five S’s and make sure they remember them for the year ahead. Get them to count each one out so whenever they are out and about in the sun, they remember to cover up and keep themselves safe.
As well as protecting them from getting burnt or damaging their eyes, these steps will also help them avoid illnesses such as sun stroke.
Drinking water is another important step not included in the five S’s, but if you wanted to, you could add your own:
Sip: Keep sipping water regularly when you are out in the sun to stay hydrated.
Stay Protected with Babiators
Here at Babiators, we have almost everything you need to tick off all the five S’s this year, including UV protective clothing, sun hats and of course, our iconic durable and award-winning sunglasses, which are available in a range of awesome colours and styles.
Shop with us now in time for the spring sun, because as you now know, sunglasses aren’t just for summer!
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