Sunscreen in School
A brief overview of the state policy regarding over the counter sunscreen products in K-12 schools.
In October 2018, the Pennsylvania School Code was amended to include a section on Sun Protection Measures for Students. Section 1414.10 states that a school entity shall allow the application of sunscreen during school hours, at a school-sponsored activity, or while under the supervision of school personnel. Review the full legislation, which is available on the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s website: www.legis.state.pa.us.
Parents/guardians may choose to supply their child with non-aerosol topical sunscreen, if it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Parents/guardians must complete and submit the following information in order for their child to apply sunscreen during school hours, at a school-sponsored activity, or while under the supervision of school personnel.
- the school is not responsible for ensuring that the sunscreen is applied by the student;
- the student has demonstrated that they are able to self-apply the sunscreen;
- the student knows how to properly store and safeguard the product from other students;
- the sunscreen product is a non-aerosol and FDA approved.
A school may cancel or restrict the possession, application, or use of a non-aerosol topical sunscreen product by a student if any of the following occurs:
- The student fails to comply with school rules concerning the possession, application, or use of the non-aerosol topical sunscreen product.
- The student shows an unwillingness or inability to safeguard the non-aerosol topical sunscreen product from access by other students.
If a school cancels or restricts the possession, application, or use of a non-aerosol topical sunscreen product by a student, the school entity shall provide written notice of the cancelation or restriction to the student's parent or guardian.
For younger students in PS/JK/K, we strongly recommend you apply sunscreen to your child in the morning prior to start of the school day. We always welcome you to send in additional sun protection gear like hats and/or sunglasses, clearly labeled with your child's name.
The form can be found in the column to the left under "Medical Forms."
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. catherman.c@harrisburgacademy.org
For younger students in PS/JK/K, we strongly recommend you apply sunscreen to your child in the morning prior to start of the school day. We always welcome you to send in additional sun protection gear like hats and/or sunglasses, clearly labeled with your child's name.
The form can be found in the column to the left under "Medical Forms."
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. catherman.c@harrisburgacademy.org
