Q&A: Sunbed 'ban' for under-18s

By Catherine Burns
Newsbeat Health Reporter

A new survey says children as young as eight are using sunbeds. But the government is looking at banning under 18s from going on them.

It's one of their new ideas to regulate the industry better. They're worried about rising skin cancer rates.

How many people get cancer from tanning salons?

The statistics are scary. The Department of Health says more than 100 deaths from skin cancer every year in the UK are thought to be sunbed-related.

Skin cancer rates are expected to triple in the next 30 years. And younger people are more likely to get it after going on sunbeds.

Are there going to be new rules?

The government has come up with revised guidance about using sunbeds.

One of the main recommendations is to stop anyone under 18 from using them.

Another idea is to get rid of coin-operated salons - and make sure every single one is properly staffed.

Customers should also get proper advice about the risks for their skin type.

So, for example, workers should would warn anyone with red hair, or pale skin and freckles that they shouldn't go on sunbeds at all.

When will the changes come in?

So far, this is just at the talking stage. The next step is a 12 week consultation, where experts, the industry and the rest of us can have our say.

Depending on what happens then, this could end up becoming law.