In the summer of 2013 Illinois, Nevada and Texas voted in legislation to restrict access to indoor tanning salons for minors which will take effect this year.
According to statistics from the skin cancer foundation in cases of melanoma diagnosed in those aged 18 to 29, a whopping 76% were found to be attributable to tanning bed use
The American Academy of dermatology believes that 28 million Americans use indoor tanning salons each year over 2 million those users being teenagers.
There are now 6 states with laws banning indoor tanning for minors and an additional 29 other states considering legislation regarding restricting or prohibiting sun bed use by minors.
In addition, the FDA has proposed raising tanning beds to a class II level which would mean stricter regulations on sun bed use and better information would be made available by tanning salon owners warning the public of the increased health risks associated with tanning bed use.
Do think it’s safe for kids to use sun beds? Should it be up to parents whether or not they #BanTheTan?
50+UPF Sunny Sleevez
Sunny Sleevez 
Personally, I think they should ban tanning beds completely. But, at least requiring minors to have permission is a step in the right direction.
I think they should #banthetan because why are people esp girls under 18 risking the health of their skin just to be a darker shade. I say if you weren’t born that shade, don’t try to change it. But than again some could argue that it’s the parent’s responsibility to mange whether or not they allow their child the usage of tanning beds.
Are you kidding? Let PARENTS decide whether their kids tan? In a country that can’t even let parents decide what their kids eat for lunch? ….
When you buy any mechanical device today, the machine and manual are flagged with warning symbols, many of which warn the purchaser not to allow a child to operate the device because severe bodily harm or death can occur. Children have very little direct contact with the injured, sick and dying. Since we shield children from these realities, it is the parents responsibility to ensure that their children do not use these mechanical devices, be it a power saw or a tanning bed.
As a fossil hunter in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the sun is an “occupational” hazard for me. It never ceases to amaze me, though, when I see people going to tanning beds around town. I pray they never pay the price for vanity. Love your passion in openly discussing the hazards of “too much.”
A supporter of ban tanning beds for children..personally, I hate the things! x
I have been wondering why want to go for tanning. Personally, I dislike tanning. Isn’t good to accept self in terms of skin colour?
I hope it is banned outright across the country. My mom died from metastatic melanoma. Thank you for making this blog and your sunny sleevez
I am an avid tanner, whether sunbathing at the beach or pool, hiking and other outdoor activities, or in a tanning bed in the winter. Having a slight tan (not like the people who work at the tanning salons) just makes me feel better. I definitely agree that no person under the age of 18 should be allowed to use these indoor tanning salons, parents permission or not. I am 56, grew up in the age of suntanning with baby oil, and have been fortunate not to have any repercussions from it. I also get an annual mole check from my dermatologist. Thanks for a great post and to all those who agree.
I really don’t get the “tanning” thing. When I was a kid playing outdoors weekends, and after school gave me quite the tan, and I never even knew it.
I agree with banning tanning beds for minors. I don’t think they’re beneficial. I do think the sun in small doses is beneficial for getting Vitamin D, but burns are always bad. I’m a big fan of layers, or only reasonable amounts of time outside in the middle of the day. Also there are some good (relatively) healthy sunscreens like La Vanila or Aubrey Organics with green tea.
I think it’s great that they’ve put a lower age limit of 18 on sunbeds – although I can never understand anyone using a sunbed (tanning bed) in the first place – crazy!
I guess one way to answer that question is “do parents currently have unregulated say over sticking their children in other radiation devices?” MRIs? Xrays? Generally not 🙂
When I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
from now on each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment.
Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service?
Thanks!
oh no how annoying, I’ll have a look and see if we are able to change it
There are some really good interesting article.