Spending time outside is essential for kids’ physical and mental health, but too much sun exposure can put them at risk of skin damage that lasts a lifetime. Children have delicate skin that is more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays, and even a few serious sunburns during childhood can increase their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. That’s why teaching and practicing sun safety from an early age is one of the most important things parents and caregivers can do.