Silvy Lewis’ husband is currently being treated for skin cancer and said she is disappointed that hats are not mandatory in Wagga state high schools.

“All school students have to wear hats, it does not matter whether they are in primary or high school,” Mrs Lewis said. 

“Wearing a hat is very important, especially in Australia because we are close to the ozone and the skin cancer is really high over here. 

“Students have to be really encouraged by the parents and the school principals have to enforce the importance of wearing hats outside.” 

According to Cancer Council NSW, skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. 

Mrs Lewis, whose teenage daughter attends Wagga High School, said schools need to make it compulsory because otherwise most students will feel “uncool” wearing a school hat. 

“Teenagers these days like to look cool and after wearing a hat, their hair looks flat and it’s not stylish anymore,” she said. 

“It’s for students’ health, I understand vitamin D is very important for them but there’s a time when the wider community must come together to protect students from the sun.” 

Mrs Lewis said she carries around her umbrella at all times, to protect herself from the sun. 

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The Daily Advertiser found that students at non-government schools, including Mater Dei Catholic College, The Riverina Anglican College and Lutheran Primary school must wear a school hat when outdoors. 

Wagga Christian College’s uniform policy said there is “no compromise” on not wearing a sunhat while outside. 

“Sun safety is utmost importance. Please ensure students wear a hat at least during Term 1 and Term 4 whenever they are outside for more than three minutes,” the policy said. 

Research also showed that some government public schools, such as Wagga, Red Hill and Sturt Public School had a “no hat, no play” policy, but Wagga High School and Kooringal High School did not require students to wear hats as part of their uniforms. 

A Wagga parent and health professional Dr Saba Nabi said she understands how important it is for children to be protected from sun-rays. 

“Compared with adults, children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation and have less capacity to make informed decisions,” she said. 

The NSW Department of Education only “encourages” schools to make hats compulsory in schools and said parents play a role in a school’s current uniform.

“Each public school develops its own uniform and expectations according to the Department of Education uniform policy,” a department spokesperson said. 

“This involves consultation with the school community, students and staff and decisions will recognise consideration of safety, including sun protection.”