What Does Arkansas Stand On Minors And Tanning?
By: Garret Krier
Updated: May 4, 2012
A New Jersey mother accused of taking her 5-year-old into a tanning salon has a lot of people talking about tanning. But where does the Natural State stand when it comes to minors and tanning?
If you are not 18 you can't just walk into a tanning salon and begin work on your summer glow. Arkansas passed a law in 2009 forcing parents to sign paperwork before minors are allowed to tan.
"I think I started in 8th grade," said Lauren Sanderson who works at Hot Spot Tanning. She has been bronzing her skin since she was 14. Sanderson says she is not alone. So what is the youngest child she has seen show up to tan?
"She was 12. But her mom was with her. And her mom and I talked a lot," said Sanderson. Under Arkansas law, anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign paperwork before a minor can tan. Sanderson believes that is good because tanning can be dangerous if not done right. People in Fayetteville agree there should be limits on minors tanning.
"I have 2 friends in their 50s and due to using tanning beds at younger ages they ended up with melanoma," said one woman. "Restrictions should be put on it," said one man. According to Sanderson, everything should be in moderation, including tanning.
"Just like you don't lay out all the time. If you were to lay outside all day long that is just as bad as tanning in bed for 20 minutes.
If you are not 18 you can't just walk into a tanning salon and begin work on your summer glow. Arkansas passed a law in 2009 forcing parents to sign paperwork before minors are allowed to tan.
"I think I started in 8th grade," said Lauren Sanderson who works at Hot Spot Tanning. She has been bronzing her skin since she was 14. Sanderson says she is not alone. So what is the youngest child she has seen show up to tan?
"She was 12. But her mom was with her. And her mom and I talked a lot," said Sanderson. Under Arkansas law, anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign paperwork before a minor can tan. Sanderson believes that is good because tanning can be dangerous if not done right. People in Fayetteville agree there should be limits on minors tanning.
"I have 2 friends in their 50s and due to using tanning beds at younger ages they ended up with melanoma," said one woman. "Restrictions should be put on it," said one man. According to Sanderson, everything should be in moderation, including tanning.
"Just like you don't lay out all the time. If you were to lay outside all day long that is just as bad as tanning in bed for 20 minutes.
