KIDS AS YOUNG AS SIX WANT A SUN TAN

Kids as young as SIX want to get a sun tan this summer, it has been revealed in new research commissioned by Superdrug.

The shock study of 1,000 youngsters, aged from six to 16 years, shows 63 per cent want to get a nice tan, and 39 per cent will take every opportunity to sunbathe to make sure they get that golden glow.

Over half of those polled reckon it is more fashionable to be brown than pale skinned, and 58 per cent feel so much nicer when they have a tan.

But worryingly, even children will go to all lengths to ensure they go the colour of their favourite orange celebrities.

A fifth admitted they will sunbathe without wearing any sun tan lotion to ensure a faster tan.

And even more alarming �� 17 per cent will put body lotions and oils on their arms and legs to encourage the sun to work its magic.

Martin Crisp, Superdrug Superintendent Pharmacist, said: "The results of this poll are incredible considering the warnings we have in the media and elsewhere about the damaging effects of the sun.

"At the very least we would have expected youngsters to be aware of using sun creams to protect themselves from harmful UV rays �� even if it��s just because their parents put it on them at every given opportunity.

"But the results show 70 per cent of parents are insisting their child wears sun protection when they go outside, so it would seem kids are choosing to ignore all warnings when on their own or with friends.

"The worrying thing is that in a bid to look like tanned celebrities, kids are damaging their future health."

The poll shows the older children get the more concerned about tanning they get.

Four in 10 children aged six want to have a nice sun tan, compared to 49 per cent at age eight and 68 per cent by age 10.

When children enter the teenage years the figures start to rocket �� with more than seven in 10 youngsters doing everything they can to achieve brown skin.

The results indicate 41 per cent of children feel thinner and healthier with a sun tan, and 48 per cent think celebrities look better the browner they are.

And X Factor judge and singer Cheryl Cole tops the list of celebrities which have the best tans,according to kids.

A whopping 39 per cent of children polled believe the star's healthy glow is a result of hours spent in the sun.

Interestingly, pop star Peter Andre is the second most admired celebrity for his tan, closely followed by ex-wife Kate Price.

David and Victoria Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jennifer Lopez all influence youngsters to top up their tans.

But the results indicate that it isn��t just celebrities which make children want to achieve a good tan.

Over half of children say their mum does everything she can to get a nice sun tan, and 40 per cent don't think she wears sun protection in the process.

More than a third of children are pretty sure their mum only ever wears sun cream when on holiday abroad.

Superdrug's Martin Crisp continues: "Parents need to help children understand that their behaviour in the sun now can have a direct result on their later health.

"Parents need to set a good example and show children that no one should get caught out by sun burn this summer.

"This summer anyone can visit one of our Superdrug pharmacies and get a completely free skin cancer risk assessment and personal advice on how to enjoy the summer weather in a safe and responsible way."

TOP 10 TANNED CELEBRITIES

1. Cheryl Cole
2. Peter Andre
3. Katie Price
4. David Beckham
5. Victoria Beckham
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
7. Jennifer Lopez
8. Simon Cowell
9. Paris Hilton
10. Mariah Carey