Back-to-School Sun Safety: 7 Simple Ways to Help Protect Your Kids This School Year

As summer winds down and backpacks come out, most parents are thinking about school supplies, lunches, and new routines. One thing that's often overlooked? Sun protection.

While many people associate sun safety with summer vacation, children continue to spend plenty of time outdoors throughout the school year. Between recess, PE, after-school sports, field trips, and walking to and from school, daily sun exposure can quickly add up.

The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep kids protected all year long.

1. Apply Sunscreen Before School

One of the easiest ways to protect your child is by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen before they leave the house. 

Sunscreen helps protect the areas clothing can't cover, including the face, ears, neck, hands, and legs. Even if your child won't be outside for long, daily UV exposure adds up over time.

If they'll be spending extended time outdoors after school, encourage them to reapply sunscreen before sports practices, field trips, or other outdoor activities.

2. Don't Forget a Sun Hat

A hat is one of the simplest ways to add extra protection throughout the school day.

Wide-brim hats help shade the face, ears, and neck; areas that are especially vulnerable to sun exposure during recess and PE. Look for lightweight, breathable hats that are comfortable enough for kids to wear during outdoor activities.

3. Dress for the Sun

Clothing is one of the easiest ways to build sun protection into your child's daily routine.

Certified UPF 50+ clothing provides consistent protection without needing to be reapplied like sunscreen. Lightweight, breathable fabrics make it easy for kids to stay comfortable while spending time outside.

Long sleeves aren't always necessary, but adding UPF clothing whenever practical can help reduce overall UV exposure throughout the day.

4. Pack a Water Bottle

Sunny days and active kids are a recipe for dehydration.

Make sure your child heads to school with a reusable water bottle and encourage them to drink throughout the day, especially after recess, PE, and sports practices.

5. Teach Healthy Sun Habits Early

Children learn by watching the adults around them.

Applying sunscreen together before leaving the house, wearing hats outdoors, and talking about why sun protection matters helps create habits that can last a lifetime.

The earlier sun-safe routines become part of everyday life, the easier they are to maintain.

6. Don't Let Cloudy Days Fool You

Sunburns don't just happen on bright summer afternoons.

UV rays can still reach your skin through clouds, making protection important even on cooler or overcast school days.

Making sun protection part of your child's daily routine helps eliminate the guesswork.

7. Think Beyond Summer

Just because summer is over doesn't mean UV exposure disappears.

Whether it's a fall soccer game, spring field trip, or recess on a sunny winter afternoon, outdoor time happens all year long. Building healthy habits now helps protect your child every season.

Make Sun Safety Part of the School Routine

Preparing for the school year means more than buying notebooks and backpacks. Adding sunscreen, a UPF 50+ sun hat, and sun-protective clothing to your child's daily routine is an easy way to help keep them comfortable and protected throughout the year.

Small habits can make a big difference, and starting them early helps set kids up for a lifetime of healthy sun-safe choices.

Back-to-School Sun Safety Checklist

Before your child heads back to school, make sure you've checked these essentials:

✔ Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before school
✔ Pack sunscreen for after-school activities when needed
✔ Wear a lightweight UPF 50+ sun hat
✔ Dress in UPF 50+ clothing when practical
✔ Pack a reusable water bottle
✔ Talk about healthy sun-safe habits