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In Saudi Arabia, where sunshine and high temperatures are part of daily life, children face unique health challenges during school activities. Outdoor play, sports, and even walking to and from classrooms can expose them to strong sunlight and heat. Without proper precautions, children risk sunburn, heat stress and dehydration. Parents and teachers can work together to help students enjoy their school day safely by focusing on two key areas: protecting the skin from the sun and ensuring adequate hydration.
Clothing serves as the first shield against harmful sun exposure. Lightweight, breathable and long-sleeved uniforms allow children to stay cool while keeping their skin covered. Wide-brimmed hats protect the face and neck, while sunglasses safeguard sensitive eyes from glare and UV rays. Choosing fabrics that are light in color and loose in fit adds extra comfort on hot days.
Sunscreen is an essential tool for schoolchildren who spend time outdoors. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied to exposed skin at least 15 to 30 minutes before leaving home. Reapplication is important if outdoor activities continue for several hours, particularly during sports or field trips. Older children can be encouraged to carry a small bottle of sunscreen and learn how to reapply it independently, promoting lifelong sun-safe habits.
The timing of outdoor activities makes a big difference in safety. The sun is strongest during late morning and midday, which increases the risk of sunburn and overheating. Whenever possible, schools should plan outdoor play or sports during the early morning or late afternoon. Encouraging children to rest or play in shaded areas during recess also minimizes exposure.
Hydration is just as vital as sun protection. Children should drink water regularly throughout the school day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Providing a personal, refillable water bottle helps them monitor their intake, and teachers can set reminders for hydration breaks. Parents can also pack hydrating foods in lunchboxes, such as watermelon, oranges or cucumbers, to complement fluid intake.
Parents and teachers should watch for warning signs of dehydration and heat-related stress. These include fatigue, irritability, headache, dizziness, dry lips or fewer trips to the restroom. In more serious cases, children may feel nauseous or unusually weak. If any of these symptoms appear, the child should be moved to a shaded or cool place, offered water and allowed to rest. Persistent or severe symptoms require medical attention.
Simple practices can make a big difference in keeping children safe. Parents can freeze part of a child’s water bottle overnight, so it remains cool until midday. Teachers can schedule short hydration breaks during lessons or outdoor play. Together, families and schools can reinforce daily routines of applying sunscreen, drinking water and seeking shade.
Protecting children from sun exposure and dehydration is not complicated but requires consistency. With proper clothing, sunscreen, regular hydration and attentive supervision, children can stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn, even in hot and sunny conditions.
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