Overview

• The Société française de dermatologie’s alert underscores that sunburn before age 15 doubles melanoma risk and that children remain underprotected despite known guidelines.
• Dermatologists recommend keeping children under three out of direct sunlight, avoiding exposure between noon and 4 p.m., and dressing them in protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats even on cloudy days.
• Sunscreen should be applied regularly for unavoidable sun exposure, but experts stress it should only complement physical measures and does not eliminate all UV risks.
• Health officials warn that sun protection must be practiced every day of the year and call on parents, schools and childcare centers to improve prevention efforts.
• ANSES’s proposal to prohibit “children” mentions on sunscreen products is still under review, and beauty industry group Febea advises keeping young children out of the sun with SPF for unavoidable exposure.