Aims: To examine sun protection among New Zealand children (ten years and under) at beaches and playgrounds.
Methods: In the summers of 1998, 1999 and 2000, observations were made of 753 children at selected beaches and playgrounds in Dunedin and Hawkes Bay to determine the extent of sun protection. Parents/carers were also interviewed about sun protection.
Results: Across most body sites, levels of protection were high. Clothing and SPF15+ sunscreen were used most often, while the use of shade was relatively low. About four in every ten parents/caregivers were aware of the UV index or burn-time. Level of sun protection among children at beaches was best predicted by parent/carer's own level of protection, the child's perceived susceptibility to burning, and being a preschooler.
Conclusions: Observed levels of sun protection among the children were high and most likely reflected an increased awareness among parents and carers of the social acceptability of protective behaviours. Nevertheless, opportunities to seek shade were limited, and the provision of shade at beaches and playgrounds represents an important next step in a community wide approach to sun protection.