Expanding Access to Sunscreen in Schools: The SUNucate Initiative

Efforts to increase student access to sunscreen in schools are making significant strides across the United States. The SUNucate initiative, led by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), has now reached 30 jurisdictions, gaining both industry and legislative support.

The Need for SUNucate

The SUNucate model legislation was born out of concerns from dermatologic professionals regarding restrictive school medication policies. Traditionally, regulations treated sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, necessitating a physician’s note for students to use it at school.

A spokesperson from ASDSA noted, “The need for SUNucate arose after concerns were raised that children were not allowed to bring sunscreen to school.” These strict medication bans significantly impacted sunscreen accessibility and usage among students.

Legislative Progress

Since its inception, SUNucate has prompted legislative actions in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Some initial pushback stemmed from worries about the burden on school staff. However, this issue has been addressed in the model legislation, which states it is optional for schools or youth camps to allow teachers to assist with sunscreen application, provided there is parental permission.

Industry Collaboration

The SUNucate coalition comprises more than 60 organizations spanning medical, patient advocacy, and public health sectors. Notably, industry players like Kenvue, the parent company of Neutrogena, have become active participants. Since 2024, Kenvue has contributed significantly to the initiative, helping to raise awareness and advocate for legislative changes.

In April 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a SUNucate version into law, further reinforcing the movement. A Kenvue spokesperson remarked, “Together with ASDSA and other coalition members, we helped drive awareness of the need, engaged with key elected officials, and built momentum that led to its unanimous passage in the legislature.”

Aligning with Consumer Trends

For manufacturers and suppliers of sun care products, evolving legislation is in harmony with consumer behaviors. According to the A New View of Care report from Kenvue, while 70% of consumers are increasing their spending on longevity-focused products, only 17% regularly apply sunscreen.

“This data informs our advocacy work, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with organizations like ASDSA on initiatives such as SUNucate,” the Kenvue spokesperson added.

In addition to state-level initiatives, the coalition has also supported federal legislation like the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, which aims to streamline the FDA approval process for new sunscreen ingredients.

Tailoring Formulations for Children

Both Kenvue and ASDSA stress the importance of developing age-appropriate sunscreen products for children. The spokesperson from Kenvue explained, “While the best sunscreen is the one you will consistently use, we recommend formulations that are specifically designed for children.”

ASDSA emphasizes sunscreen efficacy in skin cancer prevention, citing that regular sunscreen users are 50% less likely to develop melanoma and 75% less likely to suffer from non-melanoma skin cancer. Notably, a CDC study indicated that only 10% of students reported regular sunscreen use during prolonged sun exposure.

Legislative Strategies for Success

In states like Massachusetts, various strategies are in place to facilitate the adoption of SUNucate. Effective tactics include:

• Highlighting the model bill at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting.
• Providing expert testimonies from ASDSA member dermatologists.
• Generating support letters and developing personal relationships with elected officials.

Kenvue also recognizes the value of a multi-faceted approach. “Each success, like New Jersey’s passage earlier this year, builds momentum, promoting lifelong sun-safe habits for children and positively impacting public health,” stated their spokesperson.

Education as a Key Component

Beyond legislative measures, educational initiatives are vital to the SUNucate model. ASDSA’s legislation also includes provisions for educational efforts to inform students about safe sun practices. States like Indiana have embraced this optional educational component backed by ASDSA resources.

Kenvue has partnered with Young Minds Inspired to create an educational curriculum on safe sun practices, which has been implemented across all 50 states. Their brands, including Neutrogena, have also been actively involved in public education at events like Kidchella and the NCSL Legislative Summit.

Conclusion

The SUNucate initiative is a vital step towards ensuring that children have access to sunscreen in schools, promoting safer sun habits and protecting future generations from skin cancer. As states continue to adopt this initiative, the collaboration between advocacy groups, industries, and educational entities will be essential in creating a healthier atmosphere for children across America. By prioritizing this cause, we can ensure a sun-safe future for our youth.