A BAN on youngsters using sunbeds came a step closer yesterday when the Department of Health confirmed it was actively looking at ways to regulate their use.

Although no final decision has been made, it looks likely that under-18s will be banned from using sunbeds after it was revealed a number of guidelines are being drawn up to govern the industry.

Although it is not known exactly what form these guidelines will take, it is believed they will include a ban on children using sunbeds and with salons being staffed at all times.

People may also have to show ID before using sunbeds and coin-operated machines could be banned.

The Department of Health is working with the Health and Safety Executive in drawing up the guidelines.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “As part of the Cancer Reform Strategy, we are taking the lead on reviewing options for controlling health risks through the regulation of the sunbed industry.

“The department intends to gather more information about the number and distribution of sunbeds and the scale of sunbed use by minors.

“No decisions have as yet been taken, but the Government strongly advises against the use of sunbeds for cosmetic purposes though it recognises the right of individuals to make informed choices.”

The Northern Echo has been at the forefront of a campaign to ban children using sunbeds after a Darlington teenager was badly burned.

The Sunbed Safety campaign was launched in July when 15-year-old Katie Turner was hospitalised after spending more than 20 minutes on a sunbed in the town.

Darlington MP and former health secretary Alan Milburn has backed the appeal and tabled questions in parliament calling for the ban.

Last night, he said: “I welcome the move by the Department of Health to review this and to look at age restrictions because of the dangers posed to young people. I’m supporting the Northern Echo’s campaign and it’s good that the newspaper is highlighting such an important issue.”

It is believed more than 100 deaths from skin cancer every year in the UK are linked with the use of sunbeds.

Research by Which? Magazine found that three per cent of eight to 15-year-olds, or 170,000 young people, have used a sunbed.

Industry body The Sunbed Association has told salons to ban under-16s. However, its members make up only a quarter of the UK’s 6,000 operators.