'Should sunbeds have an age restriction?'
The Facts:
Many young people could be damaging their health by using sunbeds according to recent World Health Organization guidance which has placed them in the highest risk category for causing cancer.
The WHO says sun beds should only be used by those aged 18 and over. It's illegal for children under 18 to use them in France and California and it will be illegal for under 18s to use them in Scotland from December. However, in the rest of the UK there are no laws to stop children using a sunbed whenever they want.
Around six million people use sun beds every year in the UK and as many as 100 people get melanoma from them. A young person regularly using sunbeds is about 75% more likely to get this fatal form of skin cancer.
The Investigation:
Things that could be included:
- Visits to popular gyms and tanning salons to see what their policys are about underage people using sunbeds are and also to see if there are any warnings about the dangers of using sunbeds.
- Interviews with Doctors and/or Dermatologists to hear facts on how sunbeds effect us and what age is most at risk
- Talk to young people who use sunbeds regularly to find out why, and what it would take for them to stop?
- Do a vox pop to find out a variety of opinions of the use of sunbeds
- Talk to someone who has been effected by the use of sunbed
Idea Two: Drinking
'Is teenage binge drinking spiraling out of control?'
The Facts:
Binge drinking is a significant problem among teenagers. Up to a quarter of 13 and 14-year-olds claimed to have "downed" at least five alcoholic drinks in a single session.
The figure rose to half of all 15 and 16-year-olds. The survey of 14,000 secondary school children across England, Scotland and Wales was carried out by Communities that Care for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Drinking amongst young teenagers is linked to anti-social behaviour and use of other drugs.
Among 15 to 16-year-olds, 27% reported three or more binges in the past month.
The survey also found 9% of boys and 5% of 11 and 12-year-old girls described themselves as regular drinkers, rising to 39% of boys and 33% of girls aged 15 to 16.
The majority of children said their parents would think it was wrong for them to steal or use illegal drugs. However the proportion who said their parents would object to under-age drinking declined from 91% of 11 to 12-year-olds to 56% of 15 to 16-year-olds.
The Investigation:
Things that could be included:
- Archive footage
- Interview with nurse and/or paramedics to see how far teenage binge drinking has gone, and to hear about the short and long term effects of alcohol
- Interview teacher to see if children are being taught enough about the dangerous side to alcohol abuse
- Look into whether alcohol abuse has lead to the rise in teenage pregnancy and STI's
- Talk to someone who has had a traumatic experience from alcohol
- Talk to young people to see how much they would drink on an average night out and also ask why they drink so much?
- Vox pox to find out a variety of reasons why teens are drinking so much?
- Show teens the effects drinking has on their bodies to see if there feelings towards binge drinking will change
Idea Three: Miaow (Drugs)
'Should the legal high 'miaow' been made illegal in the UK?'
The Facts:
“Miaow” is sold as plant food on the internet where it is described as being not for human consumption.
It was made illegal in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Israel due to growing evidence of harm, including a reported possible cause of death.
Apart from the euphoria and alertness it is said to induce anxiety, paranoia and a risk of fits.
It is known as a “legal high” and its popularity is increasing sharply because it is legal to buy.
Police forces are aware of its existence, but because of its recent emergence onto the market are unsure of how widespread its use is.
The Investigation:
Things that could be included:
- Interview with professionals to find out exactly what the drug is and what it contains
- Interview with doctor to see what effect this drug can have on people
- Talk to users of the drug and find out why they take it
- Talk to someone who has had a bad experience using this or any other legal high
- Investigate why this is a legal high and not illegal to use
- Ask police if there is any plans to make this an illegal drug
- Vox pop to find out how many teenagers/adults have heard about this new drug
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