Kids only need sunscreen on hot, sunny days

What the research found

Australian guidance from a children's hospital and a state health site is consistent. Kids need sun protection when the UV Index Forecast is 3 or more. Some hot days have low UV, and some cold days have high UV, because you cannot see or feel UV.

The same guidance says UV can pass through light cloud and bounce off water, sand, concrete and snow. A US paediatric site also says up to 80% of UV rays can get through clouds, so kids can burn on cloudy days.

Childhood sun damage matters. Guidance says UV damage in childhood and adolescence is strongly linked to skin cancer later, and even one severe sunburn raises a child's risk. Children can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Sunscreen works best alongside clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean kids need sunscreen every single day. Guidance ties it to the UV Index forecast being 3 or more, which you can check on weather apps. In some parts of Australia that is year-round.
• Sunscreen should not be the only protection or a reason to stay out longer. Babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sun when UV is 3 or higher.
• If a baby under 1 gets sunburnt, call a doctor right away. For older children, see a doctor if there is blistering, pain or fever. A GP or child health nurse can advise on sunscreen choice for sensitive skin.