Health campaigners and industry representatives have called for a ban to prevent children under 16 years of age from using sunbeds.

Following warnings that sunbeds are just as likely to cause damage to skin cells as sunbathing, Cancer Research UK and the Sunbed Association will meet at a summit later this week to discuss how the tanning industry can commit itself to coherent, effective ways of self-regulation.

Sara Hiom, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: “We feel that a total ban on sunbeds would be unrealistic and impossible to police. It could even drive the industry underground and result in only the least reputable tanning salons remaining.”

The subject of banning children from salons was raised at the Scottish National Party conference last September, when a Private Members Bill, from Ken Macintosh SMP, received backing from the Royal Environmental Health Officers of Scotland.

The Bill would allow people only over the age of 18 to use sunbeds in Scotland, while giving councils the power to license sunbed salons – in order to ensure the legislation is adhered to.

Professor Elaine Rankin, a member of the Scottish Melanoma Group, said: “Sunbed use is particularly worrying among the young, because it is skin damage early in life that is most likely to result in skin cancer later on.”

Rankin believes that regulation, with education, is the best protection against skin cancer.

Kathy Banks, secretary of the Sunbed Association, said: “The Association is committed to self-regulation and responsible use of sunbeds. We already have a code of conduct that bans under-16s from sunbeds, but we are aware that not everybody follows the guidelines.”

Around 6,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with malignant melanoma – making it the third most common cancer among people aged 15 to 39. Details: www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.sunsmart.org.uk