Health and wellbeing

Sun safety

All Queensland state schools are required to have their own comprehensive school-based sun safety policy.

Elements of the school's sun safety policy include:

  • clothing requirements
  • shade provision and use
  • education
  • sunscreen provision
  • modelling sun safe behaviours
  • cost considerations.

How schools promote sun safety

Queensland state schools are required to:

  • supply an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen for students to use
  • develop a comprehensive school-based sun safety policy and publish it on their website
  • implement their sun safety strategies
  • consider sun safe options when determining or reviewing school uniform designs.

Students are required to:

  • wear protective clothing, including appropriate hats, when outdoors during the school day and school-related activities. Note: sun-safe hats are the preferred hat option
  • wear swim shirts/rash vests during all water-based activities at outdoor venues, except during their race/s at competitions and carnivals.

More information

Do schools close in heatwaves?

No. Queensland state schools stay open during periods of excessive heat and heatwaves.

Strategies and guidelines have been developed to help schools manage heat conditions during school hours.

Last updated:
19 January 2015