Children Across Ireland Invited to Enter Get SunSmart! Art Competition

Healthy Ireland and the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) have launched the fifth annual Get SunSmart! Art Competition, with entries open until Friday 22 May 2026.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD launched the competition today, Tuesday 14 April 2026, calling on pre-school and primary school children across Ireland to take part.

The competition aims to raise awareness of the SunSmart 5Ss — the five key skin protection behaviours recommended for daily use, particularly from April to September, even on cloudy days. The 5Ss are: Slip on clothing that covers your skin; Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for children); Slap on a wide-brimmed hat; Seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm; and Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Minister Murnane O'Connor said:

"Making skin protection part of our daily routines from an early age can have a huge impact on skin health as we age. Exposure to UV radiation in childhood is particularly harmful as children's skin is more vulnerable to damage, leading to an increased risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

Skin cancer is our most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and yet it is almost entirely preventable. By introducing good skin protection habits in our young people, we are taking a huge step in helping to reduce skin cancer rates.

This competition offers a way for children to combine their creativity with learning about sun safety and I very much look forward to seeing the results of all their hard work. The very best of luck to all."

There are four age categories. Younger children in pre-school and junior infants to first class will be asked to colour in SunSmart images. For the first time, older pupils in second to fourth class and fifth and sixth class will be invited to create their own SunSmart Superhero Squad, using the 5Ss as inspiration.

All category winners will receive an OPW Family Heritage Card, a Family Day Pass for Dublin Zoo, and a National Book Token worth €20. Ten runners-up in each category will receive a SunSmart goodie bag.

Entries can be posted or emailed by the closing date of Friday 22 May 2026. Full details and entry forms are available at www.gov.ie/getsunsmart.