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There is absolutely no way in the world that I would allow my child to use a tanning bed. There is undeniable proof that this form of tanning can lead to melanoma from as little as ten visits. Should we be allowing minors to be exposed to this risk?

The decision should be open to them once they have reached adulthood, when they have the maturity to way up the risks for themselves.

I am voicing my concerns as I was permitted to use a sun bed when I was a minor. I knew what the risks were but other social motivations were stronger than my regard for my own health. Now I see the dangers for what they really are. At one stage I used a tanning bed every second day for a fortnight. My skin became noticeable wrinkly and dehydrated. I went to see a naturopath about another concern and she detected abnormally high levels of radiation in my body. She asked me if I had been using a tanning bed as these have been linked to an increase in radiation levels.

It is so easy to take your health and beauty for granted when you're young. Minors often think that they're invincible. I know I did. As we age and become less complacent about our health, we begin to heed the warnings of health experts. At a young age it is easy to over do it for the sake of a good tan. If you asked me eight years ago if it was all worth it I would have said yes without hesitation. If you ask me today, I would respond with a resounding no.

I've seen first hand the damage that overexposure to dangerous UV rays does to the skin. I've lived at the beach since I was ten. The quest for the perfect tan comes at a cost. This is what minors have yet to fully learn.

Learn more about this author, Angela Andonopoulos.
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