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Testing children's ability to correctly use the "Shadow Rule" for sun protection
Owen Brandon John Carter1, Brennen William Mills1, Gavin Noel Mazzucchelli1
1a Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia.
International Journal of Environmental Health Research
|November 19, 2015
Summary
Ten-year-old children can effectively use the "Shadow Rule" (SR) to gauge sunburn risk. They accurately interpreted shadow length relative to height, indicating the SR
Area of Science:
- Pediatric dermatology
- Environmental health
- Risk assessment
Background:
- The
- Shadow Rule
- (SR) is a simple mnemonic for assessing sunburn risk based on shadow length.
- Questions exist regarding the public's ability to accurately apply the SR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the capability of 10-year-old children in applying the
- Shadow Rule
- for sunburn risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- 76 children were taught the SR and assessed on their ability to estimate shadow length relative to height.
- Children estimated shadow lengths at various angles and interpreted SR guidance.
- A doll's shadow was used to test estimation at 10 randomized angles.
Main Results:
- Children found it most challenging to judge shadow length when it equaled their height.
- High accuracy was observed at other angles, with 92% correct SR interpretation on average.
Conclusions:
- Ten-year-old children demonstrate the capacity to apply the SR, suggesting adults can too.
- Further research is needed to determine if SR education leads to behavioral changes in sun protection.
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