Younger Australians are increasingly choosing not to cover up when heading outdoors to enjoy the sun – and it’s a trend that’s raising concern among health officials as our hotter months approach. 

Data released on Monday reveals just 26 per cent of people aged 13 to 28 consider sun protection extremely important, with the number growing to 33 per cent for those aged 29 to 44. 

Older generations are far more likely to protect their skin, with 42 per cent of 61 to 79-year-olds wanting to cover up during outdoor activities. 

The Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee chairwoman Sally Blane said the data was concerning, adding that two in three Australians would be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Indeed, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

“Younger Australians have learnt from older generations that overexposure to UV is not worth the risk of developing skin cancer – now they need to take action,” she said.

“The concern for us is not enough young Australians are taking that message seriously and protecting their skin.”

According to the YouGov data, younger generations are least likely to wear hats, sunglasses or seek shade when outside, compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers.

More broadly, 63 per cent of Australians have expressed concern about developing or redeveloping skin cancer. 

The data comes as the conversation around sun protection and sunscreen has entered the public debate after an investigation uncovered a widespread testing failure in June.

Consumer group Choice tested 20 sunscreens sold in Australia and found only four provided the SPF protection they claimed, leading to multiple products being removed from the market. 

This week (November 16–22) marks the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week, with Blane saying she understood the concerns raised about sunscreen.

She wants to reassure everyone that it is safe, encouraging people to follow the instructions and apply more than they think they need.

“We know that going out and buying sunscreen is encouraged, but even more so, using it,” Blane said. 

National Skin Cancer Action Week this year celebrates its 40th anniversary and is highlighting that we need all five sun protection habits front of mind when the UV is 3 or above.

Cancer Council, in partnership with The Australasian College of Dermatologists, is encouraging all Australians to take up all five sun protection habits, ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide,’ to protect their skin when the UV is three or above and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

The message is quite simple – Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible, Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears. Also, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

Schools can get involved with a “Sun Safe Mufti Day”, an event where students wear casual clothing that follows sun protection guidelines while still enjoying a non-uniform day.

These days often involve fundraising, and students are typically required to wear sun-safe clothing like long sleeves and trousers, enclosed shoes, and a hat.

Some schools may also encourage activities or items like sunglasses, zinc, or costumes that are still sun-safe.