UPDATE: Experts are sounding the alarm over a critical gap in sun protection policies for high school students in Western Australia. Just 15 high schools are currently registered as SunSmart, raising serious concerns about the risk of skin cancer among teenagers, who are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s harmful effects.
Despite a robust “no hat, no play” policy in most primary schools, high schools often leave sun protection up to the students themselves. With evidence showing that even one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma, the lack of a consistent sun safety policy is alarming.
According to Sally Blane, manager of Cancer Council WA’s SunSmart program, high school uniforms should include hats to protect students. Parents have voiced concerns over the shift in sun protection policies as students transition from primary to secondary education. Blane stated, “We know there are some kids who really want to wear hats but because no one else is, they don’t.”
The Department of Education’s current sun protection policy for public schools fails to specifically mandate hat-wearing, which is crucial for blocking UV rays. Blane advocates for the inclusion of brimmed or bucket hats as uniform options, the establishment of more shaded areas on school grounds, and teachers setting a positive example by wearing hats themselves.
“Most high schools don’t have many requirements for hats,” Blane noted. “Some do have brimmed hats as a uniform option, but most don’t require hats outside.” She emphasized that teachers’ participation is vital, asserting that if educators are outside without hats, students are unlikely to take sun safety seriously.
A staggering 400 primary schools have registered as SunSmart, compared to just 15 high schools. To meet SunSmart criteria, schools must implement hat policies when the UV index exceeds three, ensure uniforms cover more skin, and provide adequate shade, among other requirements.
Emily Alfonsi, medical director at Shade Skin Clinics, described the discrepancy between sun safety measures in primary and high schools as “concerning.” She explained, “Adolescence is a peak risk for sunburn because they’ve got more time outside, often during lunch and recess right in the middle of the day.”
Alfonsi believes that mandatory hat-wearing and UV protective uniforms could help mitigate peer influence, which often discourages safe sun practices. “I do feel bad for teenagers,” she said. “They’re exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, and tanning is still seen as desirable in Australia. Supporting them to make good choices is crucial.”
Blane acknowledged that high school students require a different approach due to their independence and the influence of fashion trends. “There’s less support from school administrators to implement these kinds of programs, which is challenging,” she remarked.
As summer approaches, the immediate need for change in sun protection policies in WA high schools has never been clearer. The health of thousands of teenagers hangs in the balance, and urgent action is needed to safeguard their futures against the rising risk of skin cancer.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as community voices urge schools to take immediate action for the safety of their students.
