I am not sure why this has taken so long, it all seems kind of obvious to me.

If you're one of those "I don't burn, so I'm not going to get skin cancer" folks just know that studies show that protecting your children from significant sun exposure in the first 18 years of life can result in a 78% drop in skin cancer risk.  SO COVER UP!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will issue a press release today announcing a new policy statement as well as detailed recommendations for safe sun practices which will help reduce the risk od skin cancer.  safe sun exposure practices for children. The statement/report will be published in the March issue of Pediatrics.

The Cliffs Notes:

1.It is important to start sun protection at an early age

2.Parents and children should be educated about the risks associated with sun exposure

        Recommendations:   

• Proper clothing, hats and sunglasses should be worn at all times
• Outdoor activities should be planned to minimize being outside during peek sun hours (10am-4pm)
• Sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and be reapplied every 2-3 hours
• Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun and covered with clothing and hats
• Parents should closely monitor children's moles and freckles for any changes in appearance, color or symmetry

In addition, the AAP, along with the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology, will be supporting legislation which will keep minors out of tanning salons.

Now can they also support legistlation to force camps to help small children apply suntan lotion instead of passing the buck?  Because, clearly, nobody is keeping their children inside from 10am-4pm all summer long!