29 November 2005
Sun Smart Policies Vital For Schools
Scientists’ warnings that ultraviolet rays will be at near record intensity this summer should be enough to prod the
Ministry of Health into more significant action to protect our children says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson,
Barbara Stewart MP.
“Australia and New Zealand have the most dangerous sun exposure in the world, but we lag behind Australia with regard to
sun protection programmes in our schools.
“Children in school playgrounds during the peak period of 11.00 am to 4.00 pm should be wearing sunhats as a matter of
course and the Cancer Society’s SunSmart School Accreditation programme should be introduced to all schools as soon as
possible, said Mrs Stewart.
“The Ministry of Health’s Cancer Control Strategy acknowledges that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma
in the world, but even that doesn’t seem to be ringing alarm bells as it should.
“Here we have an obvious need for a public education campaign and a school based policy, but seemingly only the Cancer
Society, which is voluntary, is taking any action to improve our dreadful statistics.
“This is simply not good enough. The Ministry of Health is obviously aware of this situation and it is time to do
something about it,” said Mrs Stewart.
ENDS