Are our children protected from skin cancer? Setting the table for improved sun protection in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during childhood has been identified as a significant factor. With climate change, the number of people affected is expected to increase substantially. Protective methods like sunscreen, and protective clothing, are often promoted, but many scholars argue they are inadequate protection. While landscape design of children’s play spaces may also play a role, little is known about the extent to which currently designed play spaces protect children from over exposure. Using school grounds in Christchurch, New Zealand as a case study, we use a mixed methodology of indepth interviews with public schoolyard stakeholders and a novel evidence-based design methodology for evaluating the extent to which Christchurch school grounds protect children from over-exposure. Initial findings indicate that a large percentage of activity areas in schoolyards are unshaded. Furthermore, they are frequently characterised by unpleasant microclimates and poor play opportunities. Recommendations for improved design guidelines for schoolyards in support of sun protection behaviours among children are provided.