SunSmart is urging teens to cancel tanning culture, as new research reveals Victorian high school students — especially teen girls — are still chasing a suntan despite the health risks.
A survey conducted in 2022-23 found one third (34%) of Victorian high school students aged 12-17 years attempted a suntan during the previous summer, with female students (50%) significantly more likely than males (19%) to have attempted a suntan.
Further highlighting persistent pro-tan attitudes among females, the survey also found 42% of females agreed with the statement “most of my friends think a suntan is a good thing.”
These results came from the latest Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey, which is conducted every three years by Cancer Council Victoria. The survey has been tracking Victorian high school students’ attitudes and behaviours towards sun protection and tanning since 1993.
In the past 30 years, there’s been a significant decline in Victorian students’ attitudes towards tanning, with 85% of Victorian high school students reporting liking a suntan in 1993 compared with 57% in 2022-23.
Head of SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria, Emma Glassenbury, said it’s positive to see a drop in pro-tanning attitudes over time, but we still have a long way to go.
“We’ve come a long way in educating young people about the dangers of tanning. But this new research shows many students, especially females, are still seeking a tan despite the potentially dire health consequences. That’s a worrying fact we cannot ignore.”
“So despite what you may see on social media or at the beach, just remember that a tan is a sign that your skin’s DNA has been damaged by UV, which can increase the risk of premature aging, sunspots, and of course skin cancer.”
Ms Glassenbury said social media content was fuelling harmful attitudes toward sun protection and tanning.
“We’re deeply concerned by the volume of content glorifying tanning culture and spreading misinformation about sun exposure, influencing teens’ attitudes and behaviours. The hashtag #tanning has reached over 4.7 billion views.”
“Content and trends that actively promote tanning undermines our life-saving work of preventing skin cancer in Australia. It’s irresponsible for social media platforms to be housing this misleading, dangerous content.”
“We know that many young Australians are aware that UV increases skin cancer risk. Yet a high proportion also believe they won’t be affected by skin cancer in their lifetime. We need to bridge this gap.”
Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is urging young people to make sun protection part of their daily routine.
“Skin damage during the first two decades of life has a powerful impact on future skin cancer risk. Our message to all young Victorians is there is nothing safe about a tan.”
“Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of young Victorians who see a tan as desirable. That’s the power of the SunSmart program. Our government is proud to be a long-term supporter of this life-saving, cancer prevention work."
When the UV is three or above, use all five forms of sun protection — SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade where possible.
“We've seen a lot of teens declare their ins and outs lately – suntanning should be an out for 2025. Your skin’s future health and appearance will thank you for it,” Ms Glassenbury concluded.
Visit sunsmart.com.au for more tips and resources to help encourage sun protection, including recently released online courses for secondary school students and teachers.
-ENDS-
About the research:
The Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey is a triennial national survey of secondary school students conducted by Cancer Council Victoria. Since 1993, Victorian ASSAD surveys have included various questions on sun protection behaviours and attitudes about skin cancer, sun protection and tanning. In 2022-23, the questions on tanning, sun protection and the school environment were completed online by students in Victoria (n=1,392) aged 12-17.