Public health officials warn the decision fits a growing pattern of deregulation across youth health policy Published May 9, 2026 1:30PM (EDT) Experts have warned for years against excessive tanning from tanning beds, even helping legislation restrict minors from using them. Now, HHS is dropping the restriction to allow teens to tan again. (Peter Dazeley / Getty Images) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing renewed criticism after withdrawing a proposed federal rule that would have banned minors from using tanning beds, a move public health experts say comes amid a broader pattern of weakening regulatory safeguards in youth health policy. Kennedy halted the FDA-backed proposal that would have restricted sunlamp products to users 18 and older and required warning acknowledgments about cancer risks.…