Sun Safety for Children - Essay Example

"Sun Safety for Children" is a wonderful example of a paper on child development. Sun safety for children is a subject that cannot be undermined. It is estimated that each hour at least one American dies from skin cancer.  We all require exposure to the sun, the major and freely available source of vitamin D. This helps us absorb calcium for strong and healthy bones. However, too much unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun can lead to severe eye and skin damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer (“Sun Safety for Kids”).

Children between the ages of 2-10 years need to be protected from extreme sunlight since they belong to the high-risk characteristic. At that age, their skin is thin and their hair is still fair. Thus, the sun rays can easily penetrate underneath their skin and cause harmful effects in the present or later life. Also, the rays from the sun contribute to skin cancer. It becomes more serious to children with moles in their skin and a history of cancer in their family. Another reason is that it is prudent to prevent the effects of the sun on the skin by targeting the early stages of childhood rather than finding curative alternatives in later stages of life.

I would like to convey a take-home message that children can have fun in the sun when effective protective measures are put in place because the negative effects of the sun are preventable. To convey the message about sun safety to the kids, I will draft all the points the children need to know about sun safety. Then logically explain to them in simple vocabulary. Also, I will take with me diagrammatic illustrations of both the sun protection methods and effects of the sun on the skin.  Moreover, I will use stories, humor and allow them to participate in the discussion.

The resources I will require for the demonstration include the sunscreen products obtainable from the drugstore, protective eyewear for kids from the shop that has sunglasses, and my sunglasses to serve as a role model. Moreover, I will use sun protective hats from a shop that deals with sun safety products, illustrative diagrams, and curriculum materials from bookshops and internet-based organizations such as sunsafety.org (“Sun Safety”).

In conclusion, it is everyone’s responsibility, especially those charged with taking care of children whether at home or school to ensure they are protected from the harmful sun rays. This will ensure skin cancer and other sun-related diseases are avoided from the childhood stage Read More