Discussion: Minors and Indoor Tanning

shuga_23

I guess Maine wants to ban indoor tanning for kids under age 18. There are already some restrictions, under 14 can not do it, 14-15 need a parent there, and 16-17 need written permission.

Here is the article that sparked this (and some FB posts): http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/health-officials-seek-minor-tan-ban_2011-03-07.html

What are your thoughts?

shuga_23

When I first heard they wanted to ban it I thought, GOOD. Then I decided that not everyone feels the way I do about tanning and that kids under 18 should at least have permission from their parents...which apparently in the state of Maine they need.

Seth pointed out that if they ban it for kids that tanning salons would go out of business because all the high school girls go. Very true.

Just the thought of a tanning bed makes me want to puke. But that is just me!!

Interrobang

I do think that it's good to have certain restrictions on it for younger people - such as parental approval needed from ages 16 to 18 with a ban on younger than 16. At 14 or 15 I'm sure I would have been just crushed and very dramatic about it if I wanted to go tanning but my parents said "no," but kids at that age don't need to go IMO. All of these ages are rather arbitrary of course, but at 16 you can get your license and it's more of a milestone age, much like 18.  

Over 18, of course, have at it and deal with the consequences if they come. Personally, I have a tanning membership at my gym and will go a few times a winter, but have never been a regular tanning bed visitor. I am a big believer in having the right to make your own stupid decisions, and I know a lot of people see tanning as a stupid decision!   

shuga_23

I agree. I see no reason a kid under 16 needs to go tanning.

mjellison81

I've never been tanning in my entire life (tinted moisturizers and whatnot are about as far as I go), so while I don't have any personal experience with it, I think it is wise to have regulations on it for those under 18. I really don't see why anyone under the age of 16 would need to be in a tanning bed, and much like smoking causes cancer, if you want to start taking your health into your own hands, after 18 have at it. I have no problem if other adults want to tan, but I don't think it's something that we should be encouraging young teens to get into, and I certainly don't agree with giving them unsupervised access!

Danielle1106

I have very strong opinions about tanning, regardless if it is laying in a  tanning bed or sitting out in the sun.  It's one of those needs vs. wants in life that we sometimes forget to think about the consequences before acting on it.  I think a ban on indoor tanning for kids under 18 is perfectly reasonable.  I have no desire to support the tanning salons and would be ok if it caused them all to close down, but thats just my opinion.  You know, coming from the person who just spent a week in FL and has no sign of a tan.

kclouts

And there are those people with seasonal affective disorder who need the sun to feel OK during the winter months.  Some of them might be teenagers, so I think having parental permission is acceptable. 

I also wanted to point out that some groups of teenagers actually find tanning uncool, kinda like smoking now.

I like a little color on my skin and I am fortunate enough that I don't need to spend a lot of time outside to get it.  I am certainly not laying out for hours at a time, but I have been known to ignore the sunscreen while outside reading for an hour.  NEVER would I allow Ridley outside in the summer without sunscreen though.

CopperDog39

I think parental permission is a good thing to keep it at. My dad(who is an RN and a very much into staying heathly) actually had me go tanning in high school before we went to Aruba. And I'm so glad I did. Even going tanning for 3 weeks before hand and using 50 spf sun screen constantly while I was there, I still got a bit burnt. I can't imagine if I didn't go at all. So for these situations I think anyone under 18 with parental permission should be able to go. Also, I agree with kclouts about seasonal affective disorder.

I actually love tanning, but I stay away from it for regular use because of the health risks.

AngLK987

I enjoy tanning a few times in the winter because I'm cold all the time, and sometimes I just crave that all-over warmth that comes with tanning.  Although I haven't gone in 2 winters Sadness.

 

I agree that parental permission under 18 should definitely be a must, and no tanning under 15 or so should definitely be a law.  There should really be a common sense point where the owners of tanning salons should say Um. No, You can't tan anymore you look sickly orange. Duh. some ppl.  

 

jd72878

To me, tanning is like smoking.  It's a well known fact that both cause cancer and regardless of the appropriate age I would do everything in my power for my family to avoid them.  ooh, this kind of sounds snarky, huh?  I apologize if I've offended anyone!  Really no judging here!

tripin

I try to mind my body and do things that are good for it. That said, I was a girl who tanned in high school, whether it was for the prom, or just because in the middle of winter. I was never one who went regularly, but I did go and if I needed permission, I can promise you my mother would have given it to me (as she suggested it).

That said, my mother had skin cancer a few years back and I have watched other women I know go through it (a close friend lost a good part of her lip to it) and so we all know the risks and dangers of the sun. Ironically, my friend who suffered the skin cancer in her lip NEVER goes out in the sun without the highest SPF, plus a hat, and never has in her life, yet was still affected. 

I think it is totally appropriate to ask for parental permission under the age of 18, since at that age, parents are responsible for the decisions of their children, and lets be honest. It is rare that a 15 year old can actually fathom the damage the sun (UV rays) will cause in 10-20 years. 

I think there are many reasons why tanning is okay and even with the risks, I feel the benefit outweighs the risks. Such as seasonal depression, and for many in my family who suffer from psoriasis. But, that is a personal preference. I think we all need to weigh the options of every decision we make and look at the risk and try to make the most informed decision we can.