MPs Advocate for Sunbed Advertising Ban and Enhanced Warnings
Members of Parliament from a cross-party group have called for a prohibition on advertising sunbeds and for the introduction of warnings about the risks of skin cancer in retail outlets.
They also recommended that sunbed shops and tanning salons display graphic images similar to those found on cigarette packaging to discourage usage.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on beauty released a report revealing that most skin cancer cases are preventable. The report highlights that using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing the most dangerous form of skin cancer by 60%.
The Sunbed Association responded by stating that the industry is already subject to strict regulations and does not agree that sunbed use should be regulated similarly to tobacco products.
According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma claims seven lives daily and ranks as the fifth most common cancer in the United Kingdom.
Government Plans and Calls for Further Action
The government has indicated that its recent cancer action plan for England will introduce stricter regulations for sunbed use, including mandatory identification checks to prevent under-18s from accessing sunbeds.
However, the year-long research report argues that government intervention must extend beyond these measures, beginning with enhanced education.
The report found that many adults lack understanding regarding the true risks of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and the appropriate use of sun cream.
Recommendations include launching sustained public health campaigns to raise awareness among adults and incorporating information into everyday environments such as mobile applications, public transportation, digital billboards, and general practitioner consultations.
The report also identified a gap in knowledge about how sun exposure affects different skin tones, emphasizing the importance of providing inclusive information.
Currently, sun safety education is mandatory only in English primary schools, with no requirements for secondary schools. Additionally, schools are not obligated to provide shaded areas during sunny days.
Education could further extend to training professionals in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy to recognize potentially cancerous moles on clients and encourage medical consultation.
Addressing Misinformation and Online Safety
The report highlighted that misinformation about sun safety is frequently disseminated on social media platforms, including false claims that sun cream contains toxic chemicals and that natural alternatives are equally effective.
Research by the BBC earlier this year uncovered hundreds of advertisements on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook promoting sunbeds as beneficial for boosting energy, treating skin conditions, and improving mental health.
The cross-party report suggested leveraging the Online Safety Act to limit the spread of such misinformation online and collaborating with social media companies to promote reliable sources and scientifically accurate sun safety information.
Financial and Regulatory Recommendations
The report also recommended removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on all children's sun cream and high SPF products for adults to improve affordability.
Currently, sun creams are classified as cosmetic items rather than essential health products, and reducing their cost could benefit some households.
Another proposal is to incrementally raise the minimum age for sunbed use annually, similar to tobacco regulations.
Sunbeds are already banned for cosmetic and commercial use in countries such as Australia and Brazil.
