Call for crackdown on rogue sunbed operators targeting under-18s

Ellen O'Donoghue

There has been a call for a clampdown on "rogue operators" allowing under-18s to use sunbeds.

Dublin West Aontú councillor Ellen Troy has added her voice to demands for tighter restrictions.

Sunbeds are illegal for anyone under 18, but Troy told Newstalk that unscrupulous providers continue to make them available.

She said adults can make up their own minds about the pros and cons, but for young people, they can be very dangerous.

"Kids are wanting to look well, and everybody looks a bit better with a nice golden tan, but unfortunately it’s very, very dangerous. The ultraviolet light plays a crucial role in the development of melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers, so it’s something I want to get across to young people," Troy said.

She said the damage sunbeds can cause to young skin is horrific.

The councillor said some rogue operators are even advertising ‘happy hours’ with free sessions to encourage kids to use them.

"Unfortunately, without proper regulation, effectively a child can go into one of these tanning places that are popping up all over the place, and they can actually have two or three sessions within days of each other and do tremendous damage to their skin."