Using popular children's characters to help parents protect their young children from the sun

L J McDermott; John B Lowe

doi:10.1071/HE03066

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Using popular children's characters to help parents protect their young children from the sun

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Using popular children's characters to help parents protect their young children from the sun

L J McDermott and John B Lowe

Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Vol.14(1), pp.66-69

2003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/HE03066

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Abstract

sun protection

children

storybook

evaluation

This study aimed to assist parents to encourage their young children to accept and adopt sun-protective behaviour. A storybook using characters from a popular children's entertainment group, The Wiggles, was developed to deliver sun-safety messages. The storybook was distributed to 230 children aged 2-3 years. A questionnaire was distributed to all participating parents to quantitatively evaluate the parents' and children's use of the storybook and its appeal. Telephone interviews were also conducted with a random sample of parents to qualitatively assess responses to the storybook. The storybook was extremely well received by both parents and children. Its appeal was predominantly attributed to the use of the popular Wiggles characters as role models and the subtle delivery of sun-safety messages in a light-hearted manner. Approximately 86% of parents stated that they used the book to encourage their child to be sun safe and this was done most commonly once a week. Qualitative findings revealed that most of the parents utilised the Wiggles characters as role models to remind or reinforce their child to wear a hat and sunscreen.

Details

Title: Using popular children's characters to help parents protect their young children from the sun
Authors: L J McDermott (Author) - University of Queensland
John B Lowe (Author) - University of Iowa, United States
Publication details: Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Vol.14(1), pp.66-69
Publisher: Australian Health Promotion Association
Date published: 2003
DOI: 10.1071/HE03066
ISSN: 1036-1073; 2201-1617; 1036-1073
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450035602621
Output Type: Journal article
Research Statement: false

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