Sun safety messages for public education
Between 1996 and 2006, Canadians increased their time in the sun without improving protection. National consensus on sun protection information for the public was last achieved in 1994. Public messages have since been modified inconsistently.
In 2016, The Ontario Sun Safety Working Group initiated a review of messages and engaged a scientific panel to draft message content. Working Group members then delivered a national consensus process, engaging a National Steering Committee, a health communications expert and representatives from 28 organizations.
The result of the consensus process is an updated Recommended Core Content for Sun Safety Messages in Canada. The recommended core content establishes a common understanding of what is needed for effective sun protection. The underlying expectation is that, as a key next step, content will be tailored for different subpopulations and health promotion campaigns
Marrett LD, Chu MB, Atkinson J, Nuttall R, Bromfield G, Hershfield L, Rosen CF. An update to the recommended core content for sun safety messages for public education in Canada: a consensus report. Can J Public Health. 2016;107(4-5):e473-e9.
May 2018 - Available upon request
Report on the 2014/15 National Consensus Process – Expanded report
The Recommended Core Content for Sun Safety Messages in Canada. Integration of documents previously reviewed by the National Steering Committee for Consensus on Content for Sun Safety Messages.
Sun Safety Toolkit
In 2017 the Ontario Sun Safety Working Group adopted the recommended core content for the development of communication materials for public health units to adapt for their regional use.
The sun safety messages have been translated and tailored to a variety of target populations and situations (children, outdoor workers, tanning, outdoor sport and recreation etc.)
Public health units and other organizations are invited to customize the materials in the sun safety toolkit linked below:
Sun Safety Toolkit for Ontario Public Health Units
Have a resource to share, please Contact Us!
