There have been recent studies indicating that school in the United States are not up to par in protecting our kids from the ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer. These studies show that schools not only fail to help protect our kids, but they may actually be discouraging the students who try to protect themselves.

In recent years, a study was conducted at schools across the United States to see what steps were being taken to encourage students to take precautions in the sun. The somber indications are that most schools were doing absolutely nothing. Only three percent of schools had guidelines in place to share with their students. Those sun-smart schools are planning outdoor activities during off-peak sunlight hours and offering alternate indoor activities on high UV index days.

Children taking part in outdoor activities should be encouraged to wear hats, sleeves and sunscreen during the peak sunlight hours of 11 am to 3 pm. Again, only a little more than three percent of schools have made the grade by following these protective guidelines.

Here's another frightening statistic: more than 66 percent of schools did not allow teachers to apply sunscreen on students, unless the request was accompanied by a doctor's prescription. On top of that, less than five percent of schools are prepared to provide sunscreen to students who request it. How's that for teaching kids the wrong lesson? Most schools didn't allow kids to wear hats at school, for fear of students' spreading head lice by sharing hats. Sunglasses were also banned at most schools. Worse of all, less than 20 percent of outdoor school areas provide shaded areas for kids to escape from the sun.

It seems that school principals are in need of some lessons in sun safety. At the time of this research study, nearly 70 percent of school principals felt that it was a waste of time and resources to be concerned about the outdoor safety of their students. Some claim to have had no idea that students spending a lot of time in the direct sunlight on the school playground could face an increased risk of skin cancer. A full 84 percent of principals, however, admitted that their students often spent a lot time outdoors during peak sunlight hours.

If schools are really going to provide the protection and education that our children need and deserve, they're going to have to make some changes. The report suggested the following improvements:

* Trees provide an excellent natural source of shade for students. Planting trees helps to beautify the schoolyard, too.

* Schools should build structures to create shaded areas, and extend the overhangs on all school buildings. Many students would benefit from these projects.

* Every effort should be made to schedule outdoor activities before or after peak sunlight hours.

* The use of sunscreen should not only be permitted, but also required, for all students. A doctor's note should never be a prerequisite for teachers applying sunscreen.

* Hats and sunglasses should be encouraged for all students spending time outdoors.

* Lessons in health class should include skin cancer prevention. Students must know the causes, effects and prevention of this potentially deadly disease.

It's not always easy to get kids and teenagers to make the best choices, particularly when the negative effects of their choices seem to come about years, or even decades, later. Even so, these are important lessons to learn, so the classroom is the most sensible place to start. Teachers, principals and parents all share the responsibility and duty to keep our kids safe and well educated.

Schools that discourage kids from making healthy choices are definitely failing. It seems that its time to educate our teachers and principals, and not just our students.