New South Carolina Law Lets Students Bring Sunscreen to School
In case you didn’t know this, students haven’t been allowed to bring sunscreen to school in the past. That’s about to change. A new law in the Palmetto state allows parents to send their students to school with sunscreen now without a note from the doctor.
Sunscreen in South Carolina Schools
Since the Federal Drug Administration regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, students had to have a doctor’s note in order to take sunscreen to school. It had to be kept in the office and administered to the student by a nurse, at designated times. State lawmakers agreed the law was senseless and needed to be changed. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster just signed the change into law in May.
The bill states, “A topical, non-aerosol product regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage. Sunscreen does not include prescription medication.”
“This is just a good example of commonsense public policy that addresses an actual need and comes up with a solution,” said Patrick Kelly, Palmetto State Teachers Association Director of Public Affairs.
The new state law now reads, “Public schools shall not prohibit the possession or personal use of sunscreen.” Take note, however, the new law only applies to cream sunscreens and not aerosols.
South Carolina becomes the 27th state to adopt legislation addressing barriers to sunscreen use in school. The South Carolina Education Association is also urging schools to find ways to add more shade to their recess areas. This would provide even more protection from the sun for students.
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