Researchers from the Institute of Public Health and NUI Galway are warning of a need to protect Irish children's skin from UV radiation.
A report published this morning found that 90% of 10 to 17-year-olds have experienced sunburn in their lifetime.
Childhood sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancers later in life.
"Findings from a survey show as many as 74% of Irish children between the ages of 10 and 17 had experienced a sunburn at least once in the previous 12 months.
Researchers at the Institute of Public Health and NUI Galway analysed data from more than 10,000 pupils and found that 17% of schoolchildren reported never using sunscreen, while 3% had used a sunbed in the same 12-month period.
The report advises that people should wear "long-sleeve clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats while also seeking shade - especially during peak UV hours".
An expert from the Institute of Public Health has warned about the long-term dangers of sun exposure for children.
Dr Helen McAvoy said that three or more episodes of severe sunburn can substantially increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, the Director of Policy at the IPH said skin damage cannot be repaired so prevention is critical.
She said the National Cancer Registry predicts a doubling of cases of skin cancer in Ireland over the next 25 years.
There are 1,100 melanomas and 11,000 non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed in Ireland every year, she said.
Dr McAvoy said the rates of sunburn in children are concerning and despite the fact that four out of five children reporting using sunscreen, it does not seem to be enough to prevent skin damage and shows that a blend of measures is needed to increase protection.
She said compliance is low with other safety measures such as avoiding the hot hours of the day or covering up with clothing and children's skin is particularly vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet radiation so excess exposure even without sunburn is also damaging.
Australia's sunsmart programme, which was introduced 20 years ago, is only now seeing a reduction in cases of melanoma in younger people, she said.
She said once the UV-index is higher than three it makes the need for sun protection measures greater.
Dr McAvoy said that the around two-thirds of days from May to September have had a UV-index of this level in recent years and three quarters of annual school holiday days also exceed these levels.
GP Maire Finn said that "even cloudy days can cause potential damage to our skin."
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sarah McInerney, Dr Finn said sun spots that do not fade during the winter months should be monitored, and/or seen by a doctor.
It is particularly important that people who have fair skin protect themselves, and that attention is paid to those who are vulnerable, like children or older people, Dr Finn said, with the latter tending to have thinner skin, she added.
She said people should protect their skin when the UV index is above 3, and should use sun cream that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
