UV is the most important risk factor for the induction of skin cancers, which shows the importance of primary prevention, that is, exposure to the inducing factor to modify the incidence of these cancers. The period of childhood and adolescence is a particularly important time for the primary prevention of skin cancers. The increasing incidence of skin cancers such as NMSC and melanoma shows that, as yet, we have failed in our primary prevention interventions [1].

In the multitude of interventions carried out to act in primary prevention and especially before adulthood, the majority of studies have been done studying exposure during childhood, but much less during adolescence. A reduction in sun exposure in childhood is certainly more feasible than that in adolescents, where parents may have less direct control on behavioral patterns. Also, typically the potential danger of long-term sun exposure is of little concern to the adolescent. Messages that can be delivered during adolescence need to reach them, which suggests that it is not only how it is delivered but also by whom it is delivered that matters.

The study by Shay N. Sharma et al. [2] shows that an intervention through video teaching can certainly reach this at-risk population: it is relevant not only because the speaker is convincing because of his young age but also because he touches the body image of the adolescents who have seen the video. We know that body image is one of the few elements that can influence the preventive attitude of teenagers. The best example is given by biometric feedbacks that show in the image the damage caused to the skin by UV [3].

This type of video communication is in an accessible format. It remains to be seen how to apply this teaching in a way that is targeted and significant enough to reach many teenagers but also to see if this effect is maintained over time. Videos are certainly more easily accessed by this age group but also because it can be amplified via social media, which is certainly the most powerful means of disseminating this type of information by peer-to-peer interaction.

In order to amplify the message initially delivered and tested in schools, new social media channels must be used, requiring significant investment to reach this age group repeatedly. Initiatives concerning the prevention of sun damage in adolescents, a population particularly susceptible to harmful exposure, should therefore be encouraged.

No conflict of interest to declare.

No funding.

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