10-year old children in Hertfordshire found to be illegally using sunbeds
New data reveals salons across the region are allowing young children to use sunbeds, breaching national laws
Last updated 21st Aug 2025
Children as young as 10 in Hertfordshire have been found to be using sunbeds. Beauty salons in the region have been acting illegally when allowing young people to use the harmful UV exposure.
New data uncovered by The Devonshire Clinic showed that in 2016, a 10-year-old girl illegally used sunbeds. This made her the youngest underage user recorded in the UK, breaching The Sunbeds Act 2010.
Illegal use of sunbeds was found to be common in the area. Across 66 council areas, more than 200 cases were recorded between 2010 and 2025.
Other areas included an 11-year-old in Kent, and children aged 11 and 12 in Leicester. Bradford and Greater London also appeared in the top 5.
The Devonshire Clinic say this is concerning, especially due to the fact that younger skin is more susceptible to long-term UV damage. Dr Conal Perrett says this is a problem often overlooked:
“The dangers of sunbeds are widely underestimated, particularly when it comes to young people. It’s deeply concerning to see under-18s still accessing tanning salons, despite regulations designed to protect them from serious and preventable harm.
“We’re seeing individuals suffer severe burns, lasting skin damage, and in some cases long-term health issues such as premature ageing and increased skin cancer risk, including melanoma. Teenage skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation, making early exposure even more damaging."