Back-to-School Sun Safety: How to Keep Kids Protected All Day
As kids head back to school, sun safety often falls off the priority list but UV rays don’t take a break during the school year. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that sun damage occurs year round with about 23 percent of lifetime UV exposure occurring before the age of 18, increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life. From recess to sports practice and field trips, children’s skin is still regularly exposed.
The good news? With a few smart habits (and the right kids sun safety clothing from BloqUV), you can keep them covered from the first bell to the last.
The 5 S’s of Sun Safety for the School Day
Slip on protective clothing – Dress your child in lightweight, breathable UPF 50+ sun shirts like BloqUV’s Kid's Crew Neck Top and Kids Full Zip Hoodie Top. These styles are part of the best UPF clothing for kids, offering classroom comfort while still blocking harmful UV rays during recess and after-school sports.
Slop on sunscreen – Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before school, focusing on the face, ears, neck, and any exposed skin.
Slap on a hat – A wide-brim or baseball cap adds extra UV protection for outdoor play.
Seek shade – Encourage kids to spend time in shaded areas during outdoor breaks, especially midday.
Slide on sunglasses – Protect their eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses during recess, field trips, and sports.
Should Kids Wear Sunscreen to School?
Absolutely. If your child has recess, PE outdoors, or walks to and from school, sunscreen is essential. Apply it at home before drop-off. If your school allows, tuck a travel-size sunscreen stick in their backpack so they can reapply before afternoon activities.
How to Protect Kids from Sunlight During the School Day
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Layer smartly: BloqUV’s kids sun safety clothing, like the Kid's Crew Neck Top and Kids Full Zip Hoodie Top, provides coverage without weighing kids down—perfect for chilly mornings that warm up by lunchtime.
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Use clothing as the first line of defense: Unlike sunscreen, UPF fabrics never lose their protection and won’t wash off with sweat or after recess. For parents searching for the best UPF clothing for kids, BloqUV is designed to make sun safety easy.
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Opt for versatile styles: Pieces like the UV protection shirts in BloqUV’s kids line pair easily with jeans, leggings, or shorts, making them both practical and stylish for school days.
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Teach them the “sun safety routine”: Just like handwashing, sun protection can be a daily habit—hat on, sunglasses on, sunscreen applied, and a sun protective shirt ready to go.
5 Quick School Sun Safety Tips for Parents
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Apply sunscreen before breakfast so it has time to absorb.
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Choose water-resistant formulas to last through recess and PE.
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Keep a “school sun kit”—hat, sunglasses, and a BloqUV kids’ sun shirt—in their cubby or backpack.
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Pick bright, fun colors—kids are more likely to wear what they love, and BloqUV offers plenty of options from bold brights to everyday neutrals.
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Set the example—wear your own sun protection clothing so it becomes a family habit.
The Bottom Line
Sun protection is a year-round responsibility, not just for summer break. By following the 5 S’s and outfitting your child in kids sun safety clothing, you’ll be giving them some of the best UPF clothing for kids helping them enjoy every recess, game, and field trip safely, without missing a moment of fun.
