New York, NY (May 1, 2006) – Certain sun protection methods used with children, such as dressing them in hats and sunglasses and keeping them in the shade, are used significantly less often during a child’s second summer than during his or her first. New research shows that 54 percent of children became sunburned or tanned in their second summer, versus 22 pervent in their first. The study, led by researchers at Boston University, indicates that effective sun protection behaviors decline, and skin damage begins, at a much earlier age than previously reported. The study is particularly relevant in view of new statistics showing that pediatric melanoma cases have increased nearly 100 percent in the past 20 years, with mounting evidence suggesting a link between sun exposure and melanoma.

“Parents should be aware that sunscreen is just one important line of defense in sun protection,” said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Behaviors such as dressing children in sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses should be practiced early on to prevent children from getting sunburned, which can lead to skin cancer later in life.”

According to the Foundation, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Although keeping babies out of the sun may be relatively easy, consistent and effective sun protection of toddlers is much harder to achieve. Parents are encouraged to act as role models for their children and teach sun protection habits early on. Dr. Cyndi Yag-Howard, spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, suggests making sun protection part of a child’s daily routine. “Routine habits such as applying sunscreen before getting dressed and always wearing a hat and sunglasses when going outside are activities the children will carry on throughout their lives.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation offers some additional tips for protecting children:

Sun Safety

• Babies under six months should be kept out of the sun.
• Seek the shade between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Coat your child’s skin liberally and evenly with a broad-spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen, 30 minutes before going outside.
• Don’t forget hands, ears, nose, lips and area around the eyes.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and more often if swimming or sweating.

Make it a Habit

• Examine children’s skin regularly from head-to-toe.
• If you spot any changes in a mole, growth or spot, have a dermatologist examine your child’s skin immediately.

The most important thing parents can do is to set a good example for their children by limiting their own time in the sun, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen on a regular basis.