Only 15 high schools in Western Australia are registered as SunSmart, raising concerns about inadequate sun protection for students, particularly during adolescence when skin is most vulnerable. Experts advocate for mandatory hat policies and UV protective uniforms in high schools, mirroring primary school practices, to combat rising melanoma risks linked to sunburn. The current Department of Education guidelines lack hat-wearing mandates, leaving sun safety largely unregulated. Implementing effective sun protection measures is crucial, as peer influence and cultural norms around tanning complicate teenagers’ choices.
