Poll: Should Teens Need Permission to Go Tanning?

Starting Jan. 1, 2013, anyone younger than 18 will need a parent's written permission to use indoor tanning booths, after a new law went into effect this week.

Legislators had originally considered an all-out ban on indoor tanning by teens, but approved a compromise in the waning days of the 2011-12 session that requires a medical prescription, or a parent's note and signature every second time a teen uses an indoor tanning bed.

Supporters argued that the restrictions would prevent exposure to UV radiation, which is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

In an article recently published on the Providence Journal website, one salon owner said the new law will be difficult to enforce, since some tanning businesses may ignore it.

What do you think?

Is the new law a good idea? Will it really keep kids safe?

Or do you think it's an intrusion into peoples' lives?

Cast your vote in our poll, and post your comment below.