Teenage girls disregarding sunbed dangers, research shows

Teenage girls are trying their utmost to get around the law that bans under-18s from using sunbeds, a study has suggested.

Cancer Research UK questioned 15 to 18 year old girls in focus groups about their motives for using the equipment, with the findings revealed in the Journal of Public Health.

In the study, it was found that their desire to get a tan overrode any worries about the risks, with participants admitting that a tan made them feel more confident and look healthier.

With regard to the dangers of sunbeds, most teenagers were aware of them but chose to accept or ignore such concerns.

Dr Jeffrey Lake, public health consultant and lead author of the study, said: "The research shows us that the desire for tanned skin in young people is blinding them to the potential long-term health risks associated with regularly using sunbeds.

"We’re finding that their worries are cosmetic when they should really be thinking about the unseen damage they’re inflicting on themselves."

Catherine Thomson, head of statistical information at Cancer Research UK and co-author of the study, admitted she was worried about the figures.

Ms Thomson emphasised that the legislation banning sunbed use by under-18s was vital to protect them from the harmful effects of UV, but believes more can be done to combat the problem.

"Proper supervision in salons is essential to combat the determination of teenagers to get round laws that are there for their own protection," she stated.

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, also expressed concern about the findings.

The representative said that more needs to be done to persuade teenagers that damaging their body cells and health is not justified by the promise of a tan.

Back in 2010, a study by Cancer Research UK found that a quarter of a million children in England between the ages of 11 and 17 were using sunbeds on a regular basis.

Posted by Neil Clark