Testing childrens ability to correctly use the "shadow rule" for sun protection
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Environmental Health Research
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
21222
Abstract
Introduction: The "Shadow Rule" (SR) is a useful, immediate indicator of sunburn risk following the mnemonic "Short shadow? Seek shade!" However, some question peoples ability to discern when their shadows are shorter or longer than them. Methods: N = 76 10-year-old children were taught the SR and then asked to estimate their sun-cast shadow length relative to their height and whether this meant they should seek shade. Children were then asked to estimate a dolls shadow length at 10 systematically randomised angles. Results: Children experienced greatest difficulty judging their shadows lengths when they were equal to their height. At all other angles, they demonstrated high accuracy and 92 % of the time on average could correctly interpret the SR. Conclusions: Ten-year-old children appear capable, and by extension adults too, of applying the SR. Future research is now required to establish if education about the SR will translate into sun protection behaviour change. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.
DOI
10.1080/09603123.2015.1111311
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Carter, O. B. J., Mills, B. W., Mazzucchelli, G. N., & Carolan, C. W. (2016). Testing children’s ability to correctly use the “shadow rule” for sun protection. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 26(3), 317-325. Available here