This children’s article, Sun Safety Week: The sun is great, but we need to stay safe in it, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore how to enjoy sunshine safely. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and EFL teacher with over eight years’ experience.
Sun Safety Week: The sun is great, but we need to stay safe in it
A week to celebrate sunshine—and learn how to stay safe
Sun Safety Week takes place from 19 to 25 May this year. It’s a time to remember all the good things the sun does for us, and to learn how to enjoy it safely.
What’s so great about the sun?
Many of us love being out in the sun. The sun helps plants grow, warms the Earth, and even helps our bodies make something called vitamin D, which keeps our bones strong and supports a healthy immune system.
A little sunshine can also make us feel happier, thanks to a brain chemical called serotonin. That’s why many people feel cheerful on bright, sunny days.
Too much sun can be dangerous
However, too much sun can be harmful. If you stay outside without protection for too long, your skin can burn. This hurts, and over time, it can cause even more serious health problems. That’s why people around the world use Sun Safety Week to learn simple ways to look after their skin when the weather is warm.
Where did Sun Safety Week come from?
Sun Safety Week was first organised in 2021 by health experts who wanted to raise awareness about sun damage and how to prevent it. Since then, people have found fun and creative ways to share the message, like flying banners over busy beaches and encouraging popular social media influencers to talk about sun care.
It’s a reminder that everyone, no matter where they live or what their skin colour is, needs to be careful in the sun.
So, how can you enjoy the sunshine safely?
- Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside
- Reapply it every couple of hours
- Wear loose, light clothes that cover your skin
- Wear a hat to protect your face and neck
- Drink plenty of water, especially if it’s hot
- Take regular breaks in the shade
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
These small steps can help keep you healthy, cool, and comfortable while you enjoy the outdoors.
As summer approaches in many places, Sun Safety Week is a great time to check: do you know how to protect your skin? Have you got your sun hat ready?
More sun safety tips from the NHS
Article vocabulary list
- Vitamin D – a vitamin your body makes from sunlight, which helps keep your bones strong
- Serotonin – a chemical in your brain that helps you feel happy
- Awareness – knowing about something and understanding why it matters
- Sunscreen – a cream or spray that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays
- Immune system – the part of your body that fights off illness
- Reapply – to put something on again
- Shade – a cooler area that is out of the sun
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is Sun Safety Week held in 2025?
A) 5 to 11 May
B) 19 to 25 May
C) 25 to 31 May
B) 19 to 25 May
2. What does vitamin D do for your body?
It helps keep your bones strong and supports a healthy immune system.
3. Why do people feel happier on sunny days?
The sun helps your body make serotonin, which can boost your mood.
4. When should you put on sunscreen?
30 minutes before you go outside
5. What is one thing you can do to protect your eyes from the sun?
Wear sunglasses
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
