A ban on the use of sunbeds by kids and teenagers under 18 years old will come into force next month. Health Minister James Rielly confirmed that it will be against the law ‘to sell or hire a sunbed to anyone under 18 years of age and the new law forces sunbed operators to make clear all the dangers of sunbed use.’

The Minister hopes to highlight the dangers of skin cancer relating to exposure from sunlight or tanning radiation. He is appealing to those attending their Debs this year to refrain from using them, asking:

“I would ask all sunbed users to consider the pain and scarring and even possible death that can result from skin cancer and to ask themselves ‘is it worth it’? Is having a ‘healthy’ tan really worth risking my life?
People can enjoy the sun but it is essential that they take sensible precautions. In particular, parents must take steps to ensure that children are protected from UV rays and that they never ever use sunbeds.”

With rising levels of skin cancer in Ireland this year, The Minister is calling for people to take ‘ preventive steps to protect their own health.’ and ‘ a sensible approach to people protecting ourselves from UV radiation.’

Full publication here.

If you are worried about your child’s skin and for more safety in the sun, please read our guide for parents.

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