I don't think kids need to be "banned" from using tanning beds but I think their parents need to tell them "NO" when appropriate. Some kids can use them responsibly and not overdo it (I did - for special events like prom). We did, however, have a girl in our class that definitely OVER-used the tanning bed because she worked at one and her skin was completely leathery at age 18! I truly hope she doesn't have any melanoma or even precancerous lesions because of it. There are definitely risks associated with using a tanning bed - but there are risks in being out in the natural sunlight too! I say it's okay to use them in moderation.
I don't think kids need to be "banned" from using tanning beds but I think their parents need to tell them "NO" when appropriate. Some kids can use them responsibly and not overdo it (I did - for special events like prom). We did, however, have a girl in our class that definitely OVER-used the tanning bed because she worked at one and her skin was completely leathery at age 18! I truly hope she doesn't have any melanoma or even precancerous lesions because of it. There are definitely risks associated with using a tanning bed - but there are risks in being out in the natural sunlight too! I say it's okay to use them in moderation.