Sun Safety Neglected in Schools, Report Reveals

Mandatory sun safety education is currently limited to English primary schools, with secondary schools lacking specific requirements for teaching or providing shaded areas. A cross-party report indicates that misinformation regarding sun cream and sunbeds is widely circulated on social media platforms. These platforms have been found to host hundreds of adverts promoting sunbeds for various health benefits.

The report suggests utilizing the Online Safety Act to curb the spread of inaccurate information online and collaborating with social media companies to promote scientifically accurate sun safety guidance. It also proposes removing VAT from all children's sun cream and high SPF adult products, currently classified as cosmetics rather than health essentials, to make them more accessible.

Further recommendations include increasing the minimum age for sunbed use incrementally, similar to regulations for cigarettes. This contrasts with countries like Australia and Brazil, where sunbeds are already banned for cosmetic and commercial purposes.