Urgent Call for Sun Safety in WA High Schools Amid Skin Cancer Risk

UPDATE: Just 15 high schools in Western Australia are registered as SunSmart, raising alarms over inadequate sun protection for teenagers. Experts warn that without a “no hat, no play” policy in high schools, students are at a heightened risk of skin cancer, particularly during peak sun exposure hours.

The stark contrast between primary and high school sun protection policies is alarming. While most primary schools enforce strict hat rules, high schools largely leave sun safety up to students, exposing them to dangerous UV rays. According to the Cancer Council WA, even a single blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Sally Blane, manager of the Cancer Council WA SunSmart program, emphasized the need for immediate changes. “Hats should become part of high school uniforms,” she stated, as parents voice concerns about the shift away from sun safety measures. “Students who have never been sunburnt are suddenly getting sunburnt when they’re at school,” Blane added.

The Department of Education’s existing sun protection policy does not mandate hat wearing, a critical defense against UV exposure. Blane advocates for schools to adopt brimmed or bucket hats as uniform options and to increase shaded areas on campuses. “Most schools don’t have enough shade for all students,” she noted.

Dr. Emily Alfonsi, medical director at Shade Skin Clinics, highlighted the troubling gap in sun safety practices. “Adolescence is a peak risk for sunburn due to increased outdoor activity, especially during lunch and recess,” she stated. Dr. Alfonsi believes that implementing mandatory hat wearing and UV protective uniforms could significantly reduce skin cancer risks.

The numbers are stark: only 15 high schools are currently registered as SunSmart compared to 400 primary schools. To meet SunSmart criteria, schools must enforce hat policies when the UV index exceeds three, provide sun safety education, and ensure adequate shaded areas. Yet, many high schools lack sufficient requirements for sun safety.

According to Blane, the cultural dynamics in high schools complicate sun safety efforts. “Students are more independent, and peer influence plays a significant role in their choices,” she explained. This peer pressure can make adherence to sun safety practices challenging, especially given the unrealistic beauty standards prevalent in society, where tanning is often glorified.

Dr. Alfonsi stressed that these interventions could be low-cost and straightforward to implement, with the potential for long-term benefits in reducing skin cancer rates among future generations. “These kids will grow up to be adults, and we can dramatically help them down the track,” she urged.

As the conversation around sun safety escalates, parents, educators, and health advocates are pushing for immediate action. The urgent call for high schools to adopt comprehensive sun safety policies is growing louder, with the health of thousands of students at stake.

Next Steps: Stay tuned for updates on policy changes and initiatives aimed at enhancing sun safety measures in WA high schools. The health community is calling for a collective effort to protect our youth from the dangers of skin cancer.