Poster #10 - Barriers to Protection: A Legal Epidemiology Analysis of U.S. State Laws Governing Student Access to Sunscreen

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Background:
Skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, yet public schools—where children spend the majority of their daylight hours—are inconsistently equipped to support sun safety. Historically, students in many states were prohibited from carrying or applying sunscreen at school without a physician’s note due to its classification as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Despite widespread dermatologic consensus on the importance of early UV protection, the legal landscape surrounding sunscreen access in schools remains fragmented.

Objective:
This study uses legal epidemiology to systematically evaluate state laws governing student possession and use of sunscreen in school settings. It investigates the extent to which current legislation aligns with public health guidance and explores patterns of policy adoption, diffusion, and gaps across jurisdictions.

Methods:
Using LexisNexis State Net, a longitudinal policy database was constructed comprising all U.S. state and territorial laws referencing sunscreen in school contexts from 1989 to 2024. Statutes were coded for provisions allowing student self-application of sunscreen, permission requirements (e.g., physician or parent note), and level of access (prohibited, conditional, or unrestricted). Geographic, temporal, and policy diffusion patterns were analyzed.

Results:
As of 2024, 32 states and territories have enacted statutes explicitly permitting students to carry and self-apply sunscreen at school. Of these, 18 allow unrestricted access, while 14 require a parental note. Nearly all of these laws were passed after 2014, indicating recent momentum driven by dermatology advocacy and heightened awareness of UV exposure risks. However, 18 states still lack any legislation addressing sunscreen in schools, leaving student access governed by inconsistent or unclear district-level rules. Notably, several of these states are located in regions with high UV indices, highlighting a critical need.

Conclusion:
Despite increased legislative activity, the current patchwork of state laws creates structural barriers to sun protection for millions of children. This lack of uniformity undermines national skin cancer prevention goals and may disproportionately affect students in high-risk, under-resourced communities. These findings support the development of federal guidance or model legislation to ensure consistent access to sun safety across the educational system.

Authors

• Victoria Wyant, University of Pittsburgh
  Presenting Author

• Auti Johnson, University of Pittsburgh
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• Austin Wyant, Harvard University
  Non-Presenting Co-Author