New data reveals a disturbing trend of beauty and tanning salons across the UK allowing children as young as 10 to use sunbeds, in direct violation of national regulations aimed at protecting young people from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The findings, uncovered through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Devonshire Clinic, a leading dermatology clinic specialising in skin cancer, highlight significant lapses in enforcement of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, which prohibits commercial sunbed use by anyone under 18 in England and Wales.
The FOI request, sent to local authorities across the UK, documented over 200 cases of children aged 17 and under using sunbeds between 2010 and 2025, spanning 66 council areas. The youngest reported case involved a 10-year-old in Hertfordshire, with other incidents involving 11-year-olds in Kent and children aged 11 to 12 in Leicestershire. Greater London and Bradford also reported cases involving 12-year-olds, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue across urban and rural regions.
Top 5 authorities with the youngest reported sunbed users
- Hertfordshire: 10 years old
- Kent: 11 years old
- Leicestershire: 11–12 years old
- Greater London: 12 years old
- Bradford: 12 years old
These findings are particularly alarming given the heightened vulnerability of young skin to UV damage. Research indicates that exposure to artificial UV radiation before age 18 significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic in 2009, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) discourages their use for cosmetic tanning due to these risks.
Despite the clear legal framework, enforcement appears inconsistent. Of the top five councils with the highest number of underage sunbed incidents, 80% issued no fines. Tyne and Wear reported the highest number of cases, with 23 incidents, followed by Greater London with 20 and County Armagh with 18, yet only County Armagh and Kent imposed penalties, totalling £3,250 and £5,280, respectively. Bristol also took action, issuing £4,000 in fines for seven cases. Across all 66 councils, only eight issued fines, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of current oversight.
Top 10 authorities with the most underage sunbed usage incidents
- Tyne and Wear: £0, under 17, 23 incidents
- Greater London: £0, 14 years old, 20 incidents
- County Armagh: £3,250, under 17, 18 incidents
- Kent: £5,280, 11 years old, 13 incidents
- West Yorkshire: £0, under 17, 8 incidents
- Lancashire: £0, 13 years old, 8 incidents
- Lincolnshire: £0, 16 years old, 8 incidents
- Cheshire: £0, 13 years old, 8 incidents
- Bristol: £4,000, under 17, 7 incidents
- Greater Manchester: £0, 14 years old, 7 incidents
Dr Conal Perrett, consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, described the findings as a wake-up call. “The dangers of sunbeds are widely underestimated, particularly when it comes to young people,” he said. “It’s deeply concerning to see under-18s still accessing tanning salons, despite regulations designed to protect them from serious and preventable harm. We’re seeing individuals suffer severe burns, lasting skin damage, and in some cases long-term health issues such as premature ageing and increased skin cancer risk, including melanoma. Teenage skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation, making early exposure even more damaging. A tan from a sunbed is not a sign of health, it’s a sign of skin damage. For young people in particular, safer alternatives like self-tanning products offer the desired glow without putting their future health at risk. Regulations are in place for a good reason. We urgently need better enforcement, greater public awareness, and a shift in attitudes around tanning, especially among young people and children.”
Dr Perrett also outlined steps parents can take to prevent sunbed use, including starting early conversations about sun safety, encouraging confidence in natural skin tones, being aware of social media-driven beauty pressures, monitoring environments with tanning salons, and setting an example through good sun protection habits.