Rademaker M, Wyllie K, Collins M, Wetton N
Department of Dermatology, Health Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Australas J Dermatol. 1996 Feb;37(1):30-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1996.tb00991.x.
To assess whether young children understand the dangers and results of sun exposure, a novel Draw and Write technique was used to survey a group of 5-8 year old primary school children. One hundred and ninety-four children were invited to draw and write comments to six scenarios involving sun exposure. Of the children surveyed, 84% gave a negative sentiment to sunburn, with only 6% displaying positive sentiments towards sunbathing. Sixty-five per cent of children suggested the use of sun blocks, 69% the use of protective clothing, 45% the wearing of hats and 43% the use of shade as a mechanism for protecting the skin from sun damage. Only 2% of children made any reference to skin cancer. The primary school children surveyed had a good level of awareness of the dangers of sunburn and the need to take appropriate actions to avoid sun damage.
