Should It Be Illegal for Kids to Use Tanning Beds?

The incoming weather doesn't just signal the arrival of spring, but it also marks the busy season for tanning salons as winter hibernators flock to the boutiques to add some color to their otherwise pale skin. And a large portion of those tanners heading to the salons will be high school-aged girls preparing for their upcoming proms.

But bills in the Illinois House and Senate could pull the plug on that customer base, making it illegal for minors to use tanning beds, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The proposed measures come on the heels of a Mayo Clinic study showing an increase in melanoma cases among girls, as well as claims by dermatologists linking tanning beds to skin cancers, the report stated. The authors of the study, which was released Monday, recommend a national ban on tanning bed use by minors, the Tribune reported.

Not surprisingly, south suburban tanning salon owners aren't happy with the proposed legislation targeting their business.

"I really think they're barking up the wrong tree, but that's just my opinion," said Sharon Schiavone, who has worked at in Frankfort for about six years.

Schiavone said these proposals are fueled by misconceptions about the tanning industry. Salons follow policies that already protect those younger than 18 — as well as adults — from overexposure to the ultraviolet rays in tanning beds. For instance, customer need to be 14 to tan, and even then, minors need to have parental consent. Plus, state law requires all tanners to wait 24 hours between sessions.

"We take care of these kids," she said. "We tan them appropriately. We give them proper lotion and eye protection. You just don't throw anyone in (a tanning bed). You monitor them closely."

The key to safe tanning is moderation, said Rob Bechtel, owner of in Tinley Park.

"Overexposure to anything, abuse of anything is bad for anyone," said Bechtel, who has been using his salon's Facebook page to rally support against the legislation.

A state crackdown on teens using tanning beds could have a critical effect on Bechtel's business, which he has run for nine years. Although he believes most of his young customers would turn to spray tanning if they couldn't use the beds, Bechtel said the loss would still take a big bite out of his bottom line.

"To be honest with you, that's 45 percent of my clientele, high school girls," he said. "We look forward to that every year (during prom season). It would honestly destroy my business."

Losing young people wouldn't affect Heatwave Tanning quite as much, Schiavone said. The Frankfort salon generates most of its business from people in their mid-30s and 40s, but the high school crowd coming in for prom season is an added financial perk, she added. For Schiavone, the potential loss would be a little more intangible and a little more personal.

"Another downfall is you watch these girls grow up," she said. "You get to know them on a real personal level. That will be missed, absolutely. I've watched a lot of girls grow up through the salon."

YOUR TURN: Should the state ban those younger than 18 from using tanning beds? Or is this a decision for parents? Share your opinions in the comments section and vote in our poll.