A new policy proposal calling for mandatory sunscreen application in the first five minutes of school lunch periods has gained significant national attention in recent weeks — and the backing of 669 Australian medical professionals. The aim is to reduce children’s exposure to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation during peak hours.
Early-life UV exposure is one of the strongest predictors of melanoma risk later in life and Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world – this movement with a simple, five-minute routine before lunch, could reduce the cases of melanoma for the future.
Decades of melanoma research outlines that sun exposure during childhood is one of the biggest predictors of future melanoma risk. Childhood is when habits are formed, when skin is most vulnerable, and when a simple sunscreen application at the start of lunch may seem small, but its implications for reducing melanoma risk is significant.
As an organisation committed to supporting individuals and families affected by melanoma, Melanoma Patients Australia understands how critical early prevention is, especially with more than 17,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year.
Melanoma Patients Australia telehealth nurses hear experiences from patients who wish stronger sun safe habits had been in place during their childhood. Their stories remind us that melanoma is often preventable in majority of cases— and early prevention education is one of our strongest tools.
Anne Gately, stage 4 melanoma survivor, author of Sunburnt and a member of Melanoma Patient Australia’s Consumer Advisory Group, agrees, “In NSW a learner driver needs 120 hours of driver instruction before they can get a provisional license. The fact is, more people die from skin cancer than die on our roads, so this initiative, just like learner driving, is recognising the risks our children face and helping them to build habits that could save their life.”
Mandatory sunscreen in the first hour of lunch is a simple, practical and meaningful step towards a healthier future for children. It empowers families, supports teachers, and, most importantly, helps safeguard young Australians.
Shannon Anderson, Melanoma Patients CEO says, ” At Melanoma Patients Australia, we see the lifelong impact of childhood and teen sun exposure every day. For families impacted by melanoma, our Telehealth Melanoma Nurse Service and national peer support network are here to provide expert guidance, reassurance, and connection at every stage of the journey. A procedural change like this will prevent more families from ever needing these services.”
Dr. Kerith Whittigan, palliative care doctor and Mum, has launched a Change.org petition calling for mandatory sunscreen application in all Australian schools. Her goal is simple but powerful: ensure every child receives consistent, routine sun protection as part of the school day. If this issue matters to you and you’d like to support the movement, please take the time to read, share, and sign the petition.
For families already navigating a melanoma diagnosis, Melanoma Patients Australia is here to offer practical and compassionate support services for anyone impacted by melanoma.
Our nurse specialists offer free, specialist melanoma guidance, answering questions about treatment, side effects, clinical pathways, and navigating the emotional impacts of diagnosis. A nurse counselling service is also available. This service is accessible nationwide, supporting patients no matter where they live.
Melanoma Patients Australia connects individuals with trained peers who understand the lived experience of melanoma. These conversations provide emotional support, shared understanding, and guidance at times when connection matters most. Find out more about our peer support groups.
*aihw.gov.au 2025
Melanoma Patients Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia, and we acknowledge, respect and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
