Sun exposure in early childhood – benefits and risks

Abstract

Introduction: Hardening procedures increase the resistance of children to adverse environmental conditions. They are part of physioprophylactic measures. Sun, water and air are natural health-improving factors. Sunbathing has a positive effect on the entire body, leading to improved metabolism, increased general tone of the body, and enhanced resistance to infections. Sun exposure is considered one of the main methods of preventing rickets in children.

Aim: This study aims to examine and analyze parents' knowledge of the benefits and risks of sunbathing.

Materials and Methods: A survey was individually conducted among parents (n=138) in April 2025 using a questionnaire. Methods used included documentary analysis, sociological methods, and statistical and graphical processing of the results.

Results: The results of the study show that more than half of the surveyed parents are aware of the benefits of sunbathing for children (65.9%). Their main concern is the risk of sunburn (86.2%) when the sun is too strong, which is why they prefer morning hours for sun exposure (87.7%).

Conclusion: Educating parents on the proper implementation of hardening procedures would increase their awareness. It is necessary to provide guidelines on the benefits and the risks of improper application. The parents included in the sample expressed a desire to receive more information about the effects of seawater on children's health.