A survey of schools in the southeast of Ireland by the British Association of Dermatologists is critical of the lack of advice given to children about excessive exposure to the sun.
The survey, which was conducted in association with Waterford Regional Hospital, found that 95 per cent of schools had no written policy to limit the exposure of student to sunlight, and 44 per cent had no shade-producing structures.
Dermatologist Mary Laing, from Ballina, Co Mayo, who was involved in the survey, said that skin cancer was the most common type of cancer worldwide.
"All types of skin cancer are largely preventable through limiting exposure to UV radiation in sunlight," she added.
"Childhood exposure to UV radiation from the sun and history of sunburn are risk factors for melanoma and basal cell carcinoma."
Ms Laing will speak about the results of the survey at the association's annual meeting in Birmingham this week.
She told The Irish Timesyesterday that a school policy addressing sun protection was a very important issue.
The aim of the survey, she said, was to determine whether a sun-protection policy existed in the schools.
"We also set out to determine the current school practices in sun protection and teachers' opinions about its importance in schools," she added.
The survey of 396 primary schools revealed that the school uniform comprised hats in 24 per cent of cases, short pants in 38 per cent and short sleeves in 66 per cent of schools. Twenty-two per cent of school personnel, including teachers, physical education teachers and school nurses never wore hats, long sleeves or sunglasses, or used parasols or umbrellas as shade providers.
Sunscreen was encouraged in only 55 per cent of schools, mainly in school excursions, and while no sun protection existed in schools, 80 per cent of principals and teachers felt that this was required.
One per cent of teachers felt that sun exposure during childhood was not an important health concern.
The survey found that all schools scheduled outdoor activities, between 10am and 2pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
Forty-four per cent of schools had no shade-producing structures, while 95 per cent had no documented sun-protection policy. Ms Laing said that schools were an appropriate venue for sun-protection programmes as acquiring sun-protective behaviour would enable the student to pursue it outside of school hours.
"The majority of teachers feel that exposure to sun in childhood is an important health concern," she added. "However, there is no sun-protection policy in place in schools in Ireland.
"A multi-faceted approach for children is paramount in reducing the skin cancer burden."