The health authorities are considering the possibility of introducing legislation to control sunbeds as the UK banned their use by under 18-year-olds.
In Malta, the use of sunbeds is not regulated, although the authorities have always advised they should not be used by young persons.
Statistics from the Malta Cancer Registry show that eight teenagers aged 15 to 19 were diagnosed with malignant melanoma between 2001 and 2007 and every year the authorities embark on a campaign urging everyone to steer clear of UV rays, both from the sun and tanning booths.
Last week, Britain enacted a law that will prevent children from using sunbeds. The law requires salons to ensure all users are over 18 and to provide them with a leaflet listing the dangers of sunbeds. Anyone found breaking the rules could be slapped with a fine of up to £20,000 (just over €22,000).
In November, Cancer Research UK unveiled the results of two surveys, which found that over 250,000 British children aged 11 to 17 used sunbeds, which increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma, a potentially deadly cancer.
"There clearly is still a desire among a large proportion of young people, especially girls, to have a tan, for all kinds of reasons, particularly because they feel they are more attractive," Sara Woolnough, from Cancer Research UK, said.
"Sunbed use before the age of 35 significantly increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer," she said when the results were unveiled.
Health Promotion Department director Charmaine Gauci said the authorities were considering the possibility of legislation.
Replying to questions by The Times, a Health Ministry spokesman said new applications for sunbeds were being issued on condition they "should be used as directed by the manufacturer and should not be used in a way to render such equipment a risk to public health".
Last month, the EU published a study showing that more than 14 per cent of sunbeds in 10 EU countries were in breach of safety regulations, prompting European Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli to express concern about the situation. "This is an important health concern because the incidence of skin cancer is doubling every 15 to 20 years," he said.