Don’t count on sunscreen to provide complete protection from the sun. Wearing a sun-protective hat is a simple and effective strategy for reducing ultraviolet radiation to the face, head and neck. If children could become accustomed to wearing a hat when outdoors at school it should increase the likelihood that they will routinely wear one for non-school outdoor activities as well. But, the fear of ridicule from one’s peers can certainly be a strong deterrent. Without a school policy to encourage, require, or reward, students for wearing a sun-protective hat, it is somewhat unlikely that children will allow themselves to benefit from using this practical and inexpensive cancer-prevention device.
Teenagers are notoriously fashion conscious. For any success with a campaign to encourage hat-wearing in secondary school it might be necessary to allow students considerable flexibility in their choice of a hat. Although baseball caps are not ideal, one school of thought among sun safety advocates is that “Any hat is better than no hat.” For students who object to a hat that disturbs their coiffure, a large clip-on visor could be a satisfactory compromise.
Most school or physical education uniforms are not particularly stylish but they are worn because it’s the rule. If only one or a limited number of hats is allowed (equalizing the fashion disadvantage to every student), and if effective incentives are provided for wearing the hat, reasonable success might be achievable. However, there is a significant risk of total failure with this approach.
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