Testing children's ability to correctly use the "Shadow Rule" for sun protection.

Introduction: The "Shadow Rule" (SR) is a useful, immediate indicator of sunburn risk following the mnemonic "Short shadow? Seek shade!" However, some question people's ability to discern when their shadows are shorter or longer than them.

Methods: N = 76 10-year-old children were taught the SR and then asked to estimate their sun-cast shadow length relative to their height and whether this meant they should seek shade. Children were then asked to estimate a doll's shadow length at 10 systematically randomised angles.