LCC Broadcast News Room

It's illegal for under eighteens to drink alcohol and vote, and if the government has its way it could soon be illegal for them to use sun beds too.

This is part of a new Sunbeds Bill that's going through parliament at the moment, which aims to protect young people from developing skin cancer.

The bill has the support of Cancer Research who've published statistics showing that a person under the age of thirty five, who uses a sun bed just once, increases their chance of developing skin cancer by 75%. The bill targets under eighteens as they're particularly at risk of developing skin cancer because of their sensitive skin. The Bill would also enforce supervision in salons, health advice and compulsory eye wear. Jessica Harris from Cancer Research stressed that time is of the essence, as the Bill must be approved before the general election.

The campaign has the backing of Girl's Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, who is famed for her pale skin. Nicola's recently highlighted the dangers of using sun beds in a programme called The Truth About Tanning.

LCC News asked Londoners if they preferred her fair skin look or the sun kissed glow of her band mates. Click on the play arrow on the right to find out what they said.

Have you ever used a sun bed?

Is it right for the government to control young people in this way, or should they have the right to choose for themselves?

We want to hear your opinions, so drop us a line below.