KRS 158.301: Legislative findings on skin cancer risks -- Schools encouraged to educate

students on risks of exposure to ultraviolet rays.

(1) The General Assembly finds that:

(a) The chief cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet rays from natural

sunlight and artificial sources;

(b) According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is one (1) of the most

common types of cancer in the United States, with one (1) in five (5)

Americans developing skin cancer in his or her lifetime and one (1) American

dying from skin cancer every hour;

(c) The lifetime risk of getting skin cancer is linked to sun exposure and sunburn

during childhood and adolescence;

(d) World and national health organizations have published guidelines or

instructional materials regarding sun safety and skin cancer prevention for

schools; and

(e) Schools have the potential to positively influence pupil behavior regarding

skin cancer prevention.

(2) The General Assembly hereby encourages each public school to provide age -

appropriate educatio n to all students on the risks associated with exposure to

ultraviolet rays from natural sunlight and artificial sources.

(a) The education should be included within the existing health curriculum as

required by KRS 156.160(1)(a) and in accordance with the curriculum policy

adopted by the school-based decision making council or, if none exists, by the

school principal.

(b) The education should be consistent with guidelines published by world or

national health organizations and should include, but not be limited to:

1. The facts and statistics about skin cancer;

2. The cause and impact of skin cancer; and

3. Strategies and behaviors to reduce individual risks for skin cancer.

(c) The Kentucky Department of Education shall provide instructional resources,

including information from national standards and health organizations.