Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department plans to take to raise awareness in young children about the health benefits of wearing suncream.

The Department continues to advise patients to follow National Health Service guidance on sun protection. This advice is available publicly at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

It includes guidance on the extra care that should be taken for babies and children. As their skin is much more sensitive than adults, guidance advises children under six months old to be kept out of direct sunlight. Additionally, from March to October in the United Kingdom, children should wear suitable clothing, and wear at least SPF30 suncream.

The UK Health Security Agency also provides guidance which includes information on suncream and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/looking-after-children-and-those-in-early-years-settings-before-and-during-hot-weather-teachers-and-other-educational-professionals

The toolkit is intended to provide health information and other resources that can be communicated during hot spells.