WHY GEN Z IS GETTING BURNT — LITERALLY

New research reveals Australia’s youngest adults are the worst offenders when it comes to sun safety

As summer looms and the UV index starts to climb, one age group is showing that it has learned precisely nothing from Slip, Slop, Slap.

New research from iSelect has revealed that Gen Z (15–24-year-olds) are at the highest risk of skin damage in the country, with one in five admitting they still chase a tan and one in six recently experiencing sunburn, more than double the national average.

Apparently, SPF still isn’t trending.

Sun safety? Gen Z has never heard of it

The iSelect study, which analysed ABS data on sun safety behaviours, paints a worrying picture of Australia’s youngest adults.

The 15–24 cohort scored an abysmal 19.43 out of 100 on the Sun Safety Index, less than a third of the next age group and a world away from their grandparents.

Researchers found that Gen Zs are more likely to tan, spend longer in the sun, and apply sunscreen inconsistently.

The problem isn’t just forgetfulness; it’s a cultural issue. Experts suggest that social media trends like “tan lines” and summer glow aesthetics are undoing decades of health messaging, one sunburn at a time.

Golden oldies get gold stars

While the youngest Aussies are ignoring the warnings, older generations are quietly setting the standard.

The over-65s ranked highest overall with a Sun Safety Score of 67.8 out of 100, topping the charts for both attitudes and outcomes, as well as exposure.

Close behind were the 55–64-year-olds (67.3) and 45–54-year-olds (67.2), who earned the highest marks for protective behaviours, including regular sunscreen use, hats, and shade-seeking. In other words,

The ones who lived through the “Slip! Slop! Slap!” campaign actually listened.

Millennials are the middle ground

There was, however, one slight twist. The 25–34-year-old group overtook the 35–44s, thanks to better exposure habits and more consistent protection.

iSelect’s findings suggest the difference might come down to generational style. Older millennials grew up when tanning oils were sold like bottled sunshine, while younger millennials entered adulthood amid the rise of SPF 50 and the popularity of fake tans.

Sometimes, a good trend really does save skin.

A burning reminder

With the summer forecast already looking fierce, the findings are a timely reminder that Australia’s love affair with the sun comes at a price.

While older Australians appear to have learned from decades of public health campaigns, Gen Z’s “aesthetic” approach to tanning could lead to a spike in future skin damage and a future filled with dermatologists’ waiting rooms.

Australia may have the world’s best beaches, but according to the data, it also has a generation that still hasn’t learned to respect them.