Recommendations for Sun Protection in Children and Young People: A Systematic Review of Guidelines and Consensus Statements

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer, and early-life exposure increases long-term risk. Despite this, guidelines on sun protection for children and young people (CYP) are inconsistent. While those with skin of colour (SOC) are often considered lower risk for skin cancer, they experience delays in diagnosis and poorer prognosis highlighting the importance of tailored guidelines. This systematic review examined recommendations on sun protection for CYP from January 2000 to October 2024. Of 7228 manuscripts, 15 were included: three were paediatric-specific, ten included paediatric recommendations, one was SOC-specific, and two included SOC-specific recommendations. Common themes included UVR avoidance, sunscreen use, and physical protection (hats, clothing, sunglas-ses). However, specific details varied, with few tailored recommendations for SOC. Expert consensus on sun protection recommendations for CYP is needed, with specific consideration of the needs of CYP with SOC.