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The HSE has issued a stark warning about the spread of misinformation on social media regarding sunbed use, particularly content targeting young people with false claims about their safety.
Health officials are renewing urgent calls for young people across Ireland to avoid sunbeds entirely, highlighting the substantial scientific evidence linking them to serious long-term health consequences, including skin cancer.
Dr. Breeda Neville, HSE Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the National Cancer Control Programme, expressed growing concern about deceptive online content that minimizes or outright denies sunbed dangers.
“We are increasingly concerned about misinformation online that downplays or denies the dangers of sunbeds. Young people are being targeted with claims that are simply untrue,” Dr. Neville stated. “The science is clear: sunbeds increase your risk of cancer. We are asking parents, teachers and healthcare staff to help reinforce this message.”
The health authority noted that social media platforms feature numerous posts falsely claiming that sunbed use and UV ray exposure can treat skin conditions, prevent colds and flu, or address mental health issues. Some social media influencers are particularly problematic, promoting sunbeds as a “safe” or “controlled” tanning method—assertions the HSE categorically refutes as “false, dangerous, and not supported by any medical evidence.”
Medical research has consistently demonstrated that using sunbeds before age 35 significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma—the most serious form of skin cancer—with repeated use further elevating this risk. The damage caused by UV radiation exposure at young ages produces lasting harm to the skin, according to the HSE’s statement.
Prof Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at St James’s Hospital, reported an alarming trend of younger patients presenting with preventable skin cancers.
“Sunbeds are not a safe alternative to natural sunlight. The UV radiation they deliver is intense and harmful, and the damage accumulates over time,” Prof Potter explained. “We are seeing more young people presenting with early signs of skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancers that could have been prevented. No tan is worth the long-term risk.”
The warning comes amid growing concern about the impact of health misinformation on social media platforms, where unverified claims can reach thousands of young users. The HSE emphasized the importance of relying on evidence-based sources for health information and maintaining healthy skepticism toward content contradicting established medical advice.
Ireland has implemented regulatory measures through the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, which prohibits individuals under 18 from using sunbeds at commercial facilities or purchasing/renting the devices. The legislation also restricts certain marketing practices, prohibits unsubstantiated health claims, and requires warning notices at sunbed establishments.
Despite these regulations, the continued promotion of sunbeds on social media platforms presents an ongoing challenge for health authorities attempting to protect public health, particularly among younger demographics who may be more susceptible to influencer marketing.
The HSE directs the public to its SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/SunSmart for reliable information about sun safety and the dangers associated with sunbed use. This resource provides evidence-based guidance on protecting skin health and reducing cancer risks related to UV exposure.
As skin cancer rates continue to rise globally, health officials stress that prevention through avoiding harmful UV exposure remains the most effective strategy, particularly for younger people whose lifetime risk increases substantially with early exposure.
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13 Comments
Sunbed misinformation is a serious public health concern. I applaud the HSE for issuing this warning and urging parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to help counter the false narratives.
This is an important warning from health officials. Sunbeds pose serious health risks, and it’s irresponsible to spread misinformation that downplays those dangers, especially when targeting vulnerable youth.
I agree. Social media platforms need to be more proactive in removing this kind of dangerous misinformation. Public health should take priority over any misleading content.
Sunbeds can have devastating health consequences, and I’m deeply concerned by the misinformation being spread online. The HSE is right to issue this stark warning and call for action.
The misinformation around sunbed safety is concerning. Sunbeds are known to increase cancer risk, especially for young people. I hope health authorities can effectively counter the false claims circulating online.
Absolutely. It’s crucial that young people get accurate information about the dangers of sunbed use. Spreading the scientific facts is key to protecting public health.
Sunbed misinformation is a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed. I commend the HSE for taking a strong stance and urging parents, educators, and healthcare providers to help counter these false narratives.
Agreed. Promoting factual, science-based information is crucial to protect young people from the dangers of sunbed use. Combating misinformation head-on is the responsible course of action.
The health risks of sunbeds are well-established. I’m troubled to see misinformation being spread, especially targeting impressionable young people. Kudos to the HSE for taking a firm stance on this issue.
Agreed. Promoting factual information and dispelling dangerous myths is crucial. Young people deserve to be protected from misleading claims that could jeopardize their health.
This is a troubling trend. Sunbeds are known carcinogens, and it’s irresponsible to spread falsehoods that downplay their risks, especially when targeting vulnerable youth. Fact-based education is needed.
Absolutely. The science is clear – sunbed use significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Combating misinformation with reliable, evidence-based information is critical.
It’s deeply concerning to see false claims about sunbeds being used to target young people. The science is clear – sunbed use significantly increases cancer risk. I hope this warning leads to better education and awareness.