You know I have written on the dangers of tanning beds before (Six Reasons Why You Should Rethink Tanning), but now, one country is going beyond the warnings and actually banning the beds. Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and decided to take action. Tanning beds are considered a carcinogen, the same as cigarettes and other types of cancer producing agents. Tanning beds have been linked to skin cancer, premature aging and even eye damage.

So while the US places warnings on these beds, know the risks are great enough that Brazil and now Australia are going to bans. The US is trying to tighten its oversight, recommending people under the age of 18 not use these beds. A study in JAMA Dermatology reports that nearly half of all cancers are from skin cancer in the US. Medical evidence supports a ban. Our fascination with tanning comes at a price and we are seeing a record number of younger people with skin cancer and melanoma.

So talk to your kids about the importance of not using these beds.I know for events like prom, homecoming and other awards, high school students like to tan to look good in their gowns. This “look” comes at a price not worth it. We need to start a new trend, one that appreciates the untanned look. Because looking good at homecoming is not worth a melanoma a few years later.