The Labour Party government has announced a significant crackdown on illegal underage sunbed use, with unsupervised sessions for young people set to be prohibited as part of the forthcoming National Cancer Plan. This move aims to address alarming evidence that teenagers as young as 14 are routinely accessing tanning salons, flouting the existing ban on under-18s using sunbeds.
New Regulations and Consultation Timeline
A public consultation is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026, with the new regulations potentially coming into force as early as 2027. The proposals will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
Health Minister's Statement on Sunbed Dangers
Labour Party Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasised the urgency of these measures, stating: "Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences. The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks."
She added: "These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced. Prevention saves lives, and we will do everything we can to protect people from avoidable cancers."
World Health Organisation Warnings and Statistics
The World Health Organisation has classified sunbeds as being as dangerous as smoking. According to WHO research, using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one.
Personal Experience with Melanoma
Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, shared her harrowing experience: "My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated. A mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma."
She described the emotional impact: "Hearing the word 'cancer' sent me into shock. I was rushed back into the NHS system for more surgery and lymph node tests, all within weeks. The procedures and the waits for results were brutal."
Reflecting on prevention, Dodds added: "If I'd known earlier how dangerous UV exposure and sunbeds were, I would never have taken the risk."
Melanoma Focus Response and UK Statistics
Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma Focus, welcomed the government's action: "We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly."
She highlighted concerning statistics: "The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s. Additionally, the rates of melanoma in the UK have risen considerably."
Daniels concluded with a stark warning: "Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing."
Broader Implications for Public Health
This crackdown represents a significant step in the Labour government's National Cancer Plan, focusing on prevention rather than just treatment. By targeting unsupervised sunbed use among young people, authorities hope to reduce future melanoma cases and educate the public about the serious health risks associated with artificial tanning.
The proposed measures will require tanning salon operators to implement stricter verification processes and could lead to increased penalties for businesses that continue to serve underage customers. Health campaigners have long argued that current regulations are insufficiently enforced, allowing dangerous practices to continue unchecked.
