Maybe like me, you've seen ads with images like the ones above and cringed, asking why we haven't stopped glamourising tanning when we know how dangerous it can be. When I wrote my book I researched this, and not surprisingly found a vast number of published scientific papers that reinforced how much advertising (and the media in general) can influence sun tanning behaviours.

Advertising content in Australia is self-regulated. The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) are calling for community submissions as they undertake a review of the Code of Ethics (COE) - the rules that advertisers must follow.

Currently, the COE and the accompanying Practice Notes are silent on sun safety, therefore there is no guidance to advertisers on what is and isn't safe when it comes to sun exposure.

The AANA Public Review Consultation Discussion Paper is here

This is our opportunity to have our voices heard - both experts and the community - on the issue of sun safety in advertising.

Along with representatives from: Cancer Institute NSW; QLD Health; Skin Cancer Prevention QLD & Skin Cancer College Australasia I have met with AANA to discuss the issue and we have collectively developed a templated submission. Each organisation will submit on their own behalf and encourage others in their networks to do the same.

To reinforce that sun safety is recognised as a serious community concern you can make your own submission to the AANA. The more voices they hear the better!

I've made it really easy for you - just download the template at the button below and follow the instructions.