Social media is promoting harmful attitudes towards sun exposure | Letter

An awareness campaign isn’t enough. The UK should ban commercial sunbeds, writes Dr Amy Perkins Rising melanoma rates demand more than another awareness campaign ( Editorial, 7 August ).

As a consultant dermatologist with a special interest in the health impacts of social media, I see how digital platforms are normalising harmful attitudes towards sun exposure, while the sunbed industry thrives. Social media algorithms reward content that provokes strong reactions. Extreme tanning routines, dramatic before-and-after images and misleading health claims can therefore travel further than balanced medical advice. I have previously…