When it comes to protecting children from harmful UV rays, sun protection is essential. However, many parents are surprised to learn that in several states across the U.S., students are prohibited from bringing sunscreen to school or applying it without a physician's note and a trip to the nurse’s office. This regulation stems from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) classification of sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, putting it in the same category as medications like aspirin. Fortunately, states are starting to address this issue. For example, New Jersey recently passed legislation allowing students to use sunscreen at school without needing a doctor’s note, joining a growing list of other states in removing barriers to sun protection.
Why Sunscreen Is Classified as a Drug by the FDA
Sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) drug because the FDA classifies it as a drug intended to prevent disease, specifically skin cancer, by protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This classification means that sunscreen must meet specific safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA, even though it can be purchased without a prescription. In contrast, some other countries regulate sunscreen as a cosmetic product.
A Growing Number of States Allowing Sunscreen in Schools
Thankfully, the number of U.S. states with school sunscreen laws that override these outdated restrictions has increased substantially. At least 27 states and the District of Columbia, including California, New York, Texas, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Utah, and Washington, now have legislation allowing students to bring and self-apply sunscreen at school without a doctor's note. In these places, students no longer need to make a trip to the nurse’s office to stay protected from harmful UV rays. This reform acknowledges that sunscreen is a vital tool for preventing sun damage in children.
States with sunscreen legislation reform include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. The District of Columbia also allows students to use sunscreen freely.
Interestingly, Alaska and Hawaii have no formal legislation regarding sunscreen in schools, though both states permit students to use sunscreen.
On the other hand, in 21 states, students still require a doctor’s note to use sunscreen at school. In these states, such as Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina, children may also need to visit the school nurse to apply sunscreen during school hours, making it more challenging to ensure protection during outdoor activities.
The 21 states requiring doctor’s notes include Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Impact of Childhood Sunburns
Restricting access to sun protection at school can have lasting consequences for children’s skin health. Without adequate protection, children face the risk of unprotected UV exposure during school hours. Activities like recess, physical education, and after-school sports leave students vulnerable to harmful UV rays for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of long-term skin damage.
To help mitigate this, parents are encouraged to make it a habit to check the UV index each morning before sending their children to school. Knowing the day’s UV levels allows parents to better prepare their kids with the right sun protection—whether that’s applying sunscreen or wearing UPF clothing.
Why is this issue so important? The effects of sun exposure during childhood can have long-lasting consequences later in life. Research shows that one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Additionally, having five or more sunburns before age 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 80%.
Given that melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths and is one of the most common types of invasive cancer, ensuring students have access to proper sun protection at school is crucial.
The Role of Sun-Protective Clothing
In addition to sunscreen, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing has become a widely recommended solution for sun protection, especially for children. UPF clothing offers all-day protection against harmful UV rays without needing frequent reapplication, making it ideal for long school days filled with outdoor activities.
States like California, New York, Oregon, and Texas are encouraging the use of sun-protective clothing in schools. Lightweight, breathable UPF garments provide comprehensive sun safety and are an excellent complement to sunscreen. By dressing your child in comfortable UPF shirts, hats, and other protective clothing, you add an extra layer of defense against UV damage, especially when applying sunscreen isn’t always practical during school hours.
How to Advocate for Change in Your State
If your state still has restrictions on sunscreen use in schools, there are several ways to advocate for change:
- Talk to School Officials: Engage with your child’s school board and share the importance of sun protection during school hours.
- Support Legislation: Advocate for legislation in your state that allows students to carry and apply sunscreen without restrictions.
- Choose Sun-Protective Clothing: Encourage the use of UPF clothing, which offers a continuous, hassle-free layer of protection for children and is already encouraged in states like California, New York, Oregon, and Texas.
The Bottom Line
While sunscreen is still classified as an over-the-counter drug, there is growing momentum to remove sunscreen use restrictions in schools. States like New Jersey, California, and New York have led the way in changing these regulations. As more schools make the connection between repeated unprotected sun exposure and the increased risk of skin cancer later in life, parents can feel hopeful that future policies will prioritize student health. By incorporating sunscreen and UPF clothing into your child’s daily routine, you can ensure they stay protected, both at school and beyond.
Live well under the sun!
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