Drawing Tan Lines for Teenagers

‘Legislature Tires to Draw Tan Line for Teenagers; State lawmaker is right to seek more restrictions on use of tanning salons by teens’ posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 in the Austin American Statesman. In the editorial, the author brings up State Representative Burt Solomons’ proposal for a new House Bill that would bar anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning bed without a doctor’s note and a parent present. After a recent study done by San Diego State, the Austin area has 58 tanning salons, and only 34 Mc. Donald’s and 32 Starbucks. The current law requires anyone under 16 to have a parent present at the salon while they are tanning and anyone under 13 to have a doctor’s note. The main concern presented by this bill is the potential long-term health risks. Dr. Sharon Raimer, president of the Texas Dermatological Society, said even one exposure on a tanning bed before age 35 can increase the risk of melanoma. In opposition to this bill, Diane Lucas, president of Palm Beach Tan, who states there are about 1300 tanning salons in the state of Texas alone, also says that teenagers under the age of 18 only present about 5% of overall business. She continues to say “In this difficult economy, taking away this piece of the business would be extremely detrimental.”

The Austin American Statesman editorial board is presenting this article to the general public of Texas. The Statesman is also known for being a more liberal paper due to the high amount of liberals in the Austin area. In the editorial, the author’s stance is behind the Legislature, saying that the bottom line should be the welfare of the state’s teenagers. There is logic in the author’s claim, and evidence to support his/her stance in the article.

Personally, I agree with the author in wanting to protect the health of our state’s teenagers, but as for proposing a new State Bill, I feel that is a little unnecessary. Health is important, but decisions a child’s health generally is for parents to decide. I do not think that our Legislature needs to be involving themselves in trying to pass a Bill that is of such little importance during this time of financial struggle in our economy. There are many more pressing issues that require attention before passing a Bill about tanning in Texas. Parents need to be the ones stepping forward and informing their children of the health concerns involved with tanning. In the article there is a quote which Solomons told the House Committee on Public Heath a couple of weeks ago, “This is like big tobacco. These guys are basically luring teens in.” I agree with the author in saying comparing tanning to tobacco is a bit harsh but the cancer concerns are real. This is a family matter for children to discuss at home with their parents, not something the state should be concerning themselves with during this time in our economy.