Government can’t be a parent

(Crystal Lake, Il.) Northwest Herald: With all the issues confronting state government, teen tanning should fall well down the list of priorities.

But all it takes is one attention-grabbing story — in this case, the over-tanned New Jersey mother who allowed her 6-year-old to use a tanning bed — to distract people.

Many want Illinois to tighten its regulations on tanning, making it illegal for anyone under 18 to use tanning beds. Today, only two states have such stringent regulations.

State law allows minors age 14 to 17 to tan at a salon with a parent’s permission.

But a new law isn’t the solution. It’s not up to government to be a parent. Parents need to be parents.

The problem easily can be solved if parents refuse to allow their children to use tanning salons, and stress to them from an early age the importance of wearing sunblock when they’re outside for an extended period.

Tanning isn’t good for skin, regardless of age, medical experts say. Exposure to ultraviolet rays that cause the skin to tan increases the chances of developing skin cancer.

Some people just think they look better bronzed. They’re willing to risk potential health problems later in life to look the way they want.

That’s freedom for you.