Seek and Slide added to slip slop slap

SunSmart is releasing a modern makeover of its iconic jingle aimed at early childhood services and young families.

The new song, “You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart” is performed by beloved children’s entertainer Jay Laga’aia, well-known for his roles on Playschool and Home and Away.

The song features the important ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ message alongside its additions to Seek (shade) and Slide (on sunglasses), emphasising the importance of using all five sun protection measures together for healthy outdoor play.

The 225,000 Victorian children attending SunSmart early childhood services are among the first to hear the new tune, with hopes it will become a catchy call-to-action to get more services involved in the program.

In Victoria, 86 per cent of eligible early childhood services – including childcare centres, family day care and preschools – are members of the program. In Surf Coast Shire, participation is above the state average, at 94 per cent.

SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program Co-ordinator Justine Osborne said it was important for new and existing services to keep SunSmart on the agenda.

“Not only do most children attend early childhood services during peak UV times, they’re also at a time in their life when UV damage is most significant for determining future skin cancer risk,” Ms Osborne said.

“Because of this, it’s really important that early childhood services are making sun protection part of their daily routine. Our free program makes this simple by providing the policy advice, resources and education they need to ensure services are meeting their regulatory requirements and duty of care.”

Ms Osborne said “You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart” would be a fun way to refresh the message for young families.

“Now that the SunSmart generation is growing up and having children, we want to make sure the message is being passed down,” she said.

The new song is available on the SunSmart YouTube Channel. For more information about SunSmart’s Early Childhood Program visit sunsmart.com.au.