Learn more about the problem by viewing the various sections of this website.
Explore solutions by clicking the term that best describes you:
Reporter | Media Specialist
- Generate or write news stories about the issue to increase public awareness. Many parents still do not realize that indoor tanning places their teens at higher risk for melanoma and other health problems.
- See a sample press release.
- See our Other Resources page to learn about the laws states and other countries have passed.
- Contact Dr. Mayer (jmayer@mail.sdsu.edu) if you would like additional information.
Legislator | Policy Specialist | Lobbyist
- Use the CITY100 data to help justify the need for stronger policies related to indoor tanning by youth.
- Use our data for the U.S. as a whole, as well as city- and state- specific statistics. For the latter, see our pages on state laws, the large numbers of tanning salons, and the practices of these salons of allowing daily indoor tanning by teens.
- Contact Dr. Mayer (jmayer@mail.sdsu.edu) if you would like additional information.
Health Professional | TEACHER
- Make teens aware of the problem and direct them to the personal story of Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006.
- Use UV photographic camera or equipment that reveals skin damage not visible to the naked eye to demonstrate teen’s skin damage; this has been effective in reducing indoor and solar tanning in college-age individuals.
- Teens may place a high value on being tan. Suggest less risky alternatives, such as sunless tanning using sprays or lotions, either commercially or at home.
- Get involved in local, state, and/or national efforts to pass effective legislation—visit our Other Resources page for key organizations.
- Contact Dr. Mayer (jmayer@mail.sdsu.edu) if you would like additional information.
Concerned parent
- Learn more about the dangers of indoor tanning by reading the sections of this website, and visiting the websites of key health organizations.
- If you are an indoor tanner yourself, quit! Teens are significantly more likely to use indoor tanning if their parents do.
- Share with your teen the personal story of Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006.
- Be aware that your teen may place a high value on being tan. Suggest less risky alternatives, such as sunless tanning using sprays or lotions, either commercially or at home.
- Share your concerns with your teen and do not give your permission for your teen to tan.
- Get involved in local, state, and/or national efforts to pass effective legislation—visit our Other Resources page for key organizations.
- Get other parents to join with you.
- Contact Dr. Mayer (jmayer@mail.sdsu.edu) if you would like additional information.
Teen
- Learn about the personal story of Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006.
- Try less risky alternatives to UV lamps and sun tanning, such as sunless tanning using sprays or lotions. You can still look tan, but without the risk to your health and damage to your skin.
- Learn more about the dangers of indoor tanning by reading the sections of this website, and visiting the websites of key health organizations.
- Share this information with your friends who like to use indoor tanning.
- Contact Dr. Mayer (jmayer@mail.sdsu.edu) if you would like additional information.