The Ban on Teen Tanning

   For years, government officials have been trying to ban tanning for those under 18 years of age, however, some instances are trying to ban tanning all together. Here in New York, tanning salons allow clients to tan beginning at the age of 16 with the consent of a parent or guardian. This, however, can be fairly tricky as to what is actually considered "Parental Consent.' Is it a note? A letter? A phone call? These are all legit examples that some teens think are Parental Consent, but what they don't understand is that the parent must be present at the time of registration with the salon. How is this being stopped? New York State Legislature is proposing a bill which would be responsible for banning the subject of tanning from those under 18 years of age. Sadly, New York isn't the first state that's going through this, as a number of states, such as Connecticut, Illinois, and Ohio, are going through the same thing.

  "What can I do?"
      
      The answer is simple. Speak up about it. This is very important, especially if you happen to be a teen who enjoys going to the tanning salon, or if you're a parent that allows your child to do so.

The Argument
 
      No one is going to go to a pool or beach and tell those laying out on their towels or chairs that they have to go inside, or be under a huge umbrella. If you want to tan, and you enjoy tanning (as do many teens due to various reasons), then say something!

     Also, what is teen tanning? Is it under the age of 18? Is it under the age of 21? The government says that at the age of 18, you are an adult and responsible for your actions, but to the obvious, if lawmakers try to instigate that the number 21 is not in the teens, well, we're going to have a very large problem, but that's besides the point. 

In All Honesty

      The only way to do something about this is if you learn about the issue and tell your state representatives how you feel about the issue, especially if you're in a state that is trying to ban teen tanning.

Take Action
To take action and voice your opinion, please visit the Indoor Tanning Association by clicking here!