Sue Scheff: Teens and Sun Damage
As a resident of Florida, I am very aware of the damage the sun can cause people and especially teens that feel they are invinceable to skin cancer or any sun damage. Here is a great article by Connect with Kids and a Tips Sheet for parents. By Connect with Kids “My mom bought me a whole bottle of sunscreen. I haven’t used it. I don’t think it really helps that much, and it stinks.” – Nigel, 13 years old Like many people, teens love the water and worship the sun. “Most teenagers don’t really worry about sunburn, they’re just really concerned about how their tan looks,” 13-year-old Kelsey says. Still, many young people admit they know the dangers. Fourteen-year-old Chris recites: “Skin cancer, sun damage …” and Bianca, 13, follows up: “… and maybe in the future your skin will get all wrinkly.” Kelsey says her parents, “tell me to wear sunscreen or wear a hat if I’m gonna be out in the sun.” The truth of the matter is that the warnings about the dangers of too much sun exposure and not e...