Volume 32, Issue 4: August, 2005

Abstract

Suntans and Sun Protection in Australian Teen Media: 1999 to 2000

Liane J. McDermott, BSocSc, MSocSc, John B. Lowe, PhD, Warren R. Stanton, PhD, and Alexandra M. Clavarino, PhD

In this study, the portrayal of tanned skin and sun protection in magazines, television programs, and movies popular with Australian adolescents were analyzed. Images of models in magazines (n = 1,791), regular/ supporting characters in television programs (n = 867), and regular/supporting characters in cinema movies (n = 2,836) for the 12-month period August 1999 to July 2000 were coded and analyzed. A light tan was the most predominant tan level, and protective clothing was the most common sun protection measure displayed across all forms of media. There were significant associations between gender and tan levels in the television and movie samples. Although it is important to monitor the portrayal of tan levels and sun protection measures in media targeting adolescents, overall, the authors’ findings revealed a media environment generally supportive of sun protection objectives.