Why don't we just lock our kids in the basement 'til they're 18?

Just the other day I was writing about people getting a bit too paranoid about keeping their kids away from the sun - and right on cue, schools in Derby County, England have are being advised to cancel field trips if it's too sunny outside:

But now schools in Derby are being told to consider cancelling trips in good weather because of the risk of sunburn.

Derby City Council issued the guidelines because of the link between sunburn when young and increased risk of skin cancer in later life.

It said teachers should consider "postponing or cancelling events... in periods of excessive sun".

The guidelines also advised to teachers to "try to plan external activities, for example, short duration trips, external lessons and sports days, for times when the sun is likely to be at its lowest strength - and the temperature at its lowest".

Teachers should also consider keeping a supply of maximum factor suncream to spray onto pupils, although they are told not to rub it in for fear of being accused of inappropriate contact.

Who needs The Onion these days?

Posted by damian at June 4, 2004 05:43 PM