Table 2 Major themes and sub-themes identified from semi-structured interviews of young adolescents (12–13 years-old) that explored their experiences, and attitudes and behaviours towards sun protection

1. Personal sun health considerations

1.1 Typical activities included: going to the beach (n = 5; 4 female, 1 male); parks (n = 3)^a; pool parties (n = 1); playing with pets (n = 1)

1.2 Checking the weather (using weather application on smartphone, asking parents, television weather report) (n = 7; 6 female, 1 male)

1.3 Sun protective behaviours included: applying sunscreen (n = 10); seeking shade (n = 5)

2. Attitudes towards sun protection

2.1 General attitudes (females were motivated (n = 6 of 6), males were indifferent (n = 3 of 4))

2.2 Hats (recognised as a means of sun protection (n = 9); not trendy (n = 3))

2.3 Influences (school environment (n = 7), community and school sports (n = 3), parents (n = 8))

3. Recommendations

3.1 Knowledge gaps (UV Index and implications for sun protection (n = 6); sun protection factor (SPF) (n = 2); benefits of sun exposure, including vitamin D (n = 1))

3.2 Online tool input (consequences of excessive sun exposure, including anecdotal stories (n = 6); information regarding the UV Index and appropriate use of sunscreen (n = 6); mini-games or quizzes to improve knowledge (n = 2))