A new bill could possibly prevent those under the age of 17 from tanning, even for a special event like prom; the bill has been stalled for eight months but has finally made its way up the ladder.

  The bill has made it through the Senate Public Health and Welfare committee. Pennsylvania, a state that currently has no laws against tanning and having the salon make the decision for the required age, may be joining the list of states who require not only an age restriction, but parent permission if under the age of 18.

  While the bill may not have an immediate effect right now, it may in a few years if it is passed.

  Females tan for a self-esteem boost, making themselves look the best they can, especially during prom season they also tan to make their dress pop against their skin.

  There are even girls who tan outside of prom season who it would really affect.

  Senior Brooke Ward has been tanning on and off for the past four years.

“I enjoy tanning,” said Ward, “It should be up to the person if they want to tan or not; at the end of the day it’s their body, not the governments.”

  Although strict tanning laws may prohibit girls looking the best they can for prom, it may be saving their skin and keeping them from getting skin cancer.

  More than 170,000 people get non-melanoma skin cancer due to indoor tanning, according to the Skin Cancer Center. Also, a person increases their chances of cancer by 20%,  and each session after that increases the chances another 2%.

  Senior Sara Cerreta feels that tanning is a high risk for a temporary reward.

  “Tanning is too harsh on the body,” said Cerreta. “It hurts the skin and increases the chance for cancer; it’s just not worth it.”

   There are positives and negatives to tanning, but ultimately, the choice is up to the person it’s affecting.

  At the end of the day, tanning may not be good for the body, but it has can drastically make a person feel and look more attractive. Although tanning in general may not be healthy for the body, it is better to tan for a few months compared to the whole year.