Recent research reveals that nearly 25% of Australian children mistakenly believe that having a suntan offers protection against long-term skin damage and cancer.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne’s Child Health Poll indicates that social media trends advocating for tanning may be influencing these perceptions, as 49% of young Australians express a preference for having a tan.

The survey, which included input from 1,400 parents and one of their children aged 12 to 17, highlights a significant gap in teenagers’ education and awareness regarding effective sun protection and the harmful effects of sun exposure.

“Social media often features trends that emphasize tan lines and even encourage sunburn, leading teenagers to underestimate the risks associated with tanning and sun exposure,” Dr. Anthea Rhodes commented.

“A suntan is not a sign of health; it’s actually your skin’s reaction to being damaged by the sun,” she emphasized.

Around 44 per cent of teenagers surveyed admitted to being sunburnt multiple times in the last six months, with 60 per cent saying they knew they didn’t use adequate protection from the sun when out in peak UV times.

Dermatologist Dr Susan Robertson said the idea that children cannot get skin cancer is a myth.

“Teens may think skin damage isn’t something that will affect them until later in life, but we know that’s not true,” she said.

“While it’s not common to see young children with skin cancer, it sadly does happen in children as young as ten.”

Experts tell parents to ensure their child wears enough sunscreen when going outside, even on a cloudy day, and to ensure they wear a hat, sunglasses and proper clothing to protect themselves from the threat of sunburn and long-lasting damage to their skin.