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Sound Off: Teens and Tattoos

by Sara Mohan – Notre Dame High School, Calgary AB Dec 15, 2009

If you’ve ever thought about getting a tattoo before, most likely you’ve run into the great debate concerning teens and tattoos. Obviously, if you really want that tattoo, first of all, you’re going to have to convince your parents because most places do require you to be 18 years of age or have parental consent.

So to join the debate: just why shouldn’t teens be able to get tattoos? Some adults may argue that teens are irresponsible, trend following, impulsive people who can’t make a logical decision. But in my opinion, it is far too stereotypical for adults to assume the worst about teenagers when it comes to tattoos.

I’ve heard adults argue that teens are too irresponsible to find a place that is professional enough, or to make a decision that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

I definitely do not condone the teenagers who are getting tattoos or doing tattoos in someone’s basement – because this is obviously dangerous. Becoming a good and responsible tattoo artist takes months – if not years – of lessons and experience. So if you decide to get a tattoo out of someone’s basement, then you are setting yourself up for a disaster. However, I don’t believe that all teens are stupid enough do this. There are teens out there who know that since tattooing can be so dangerous if done incorrectly, it is important to find the right person to do it for you.

Meanwhile, getting tattooed serves as a form of self-expression. It’s a personal choice. If you decide to get a tattoo, in my eyes, it’s because it means something to you. Who is to say that certain pictures or words on your body are not meaningful to you?

Many parents fear that teens will regret these decisions later on in life. However, not all teenagers make these decisions out of impulse. Some teens may have actually carefully considered and analyzed their reasoning for a tattoo. And for people who are over 18 years old, I’m sure they must face the same problem – just how do they know they won’t regret a tattoo later on? Someone who is 18 or older may actually be far more immature than many teenagers.

So how can someone separate those who are mature enough to get a tattoo from those aren’t? It definitely should not be by age. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, getting a tattoo requires much thought and research before you offer your body up to the artist.

Comments (7)
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I know someone aged 14 who

Submitted by KylieB on Tue, 11/09/2010 - 03:57.

I know someone aged 14 who got THEIR name tatooed on them...personally i think its pretty pointless considering that anyone who knows them already knows their name.

I like the way it's set up

Submitted by MaryC on Tue, 10/12/2010 - 16:59.

I like the way it's set up now. I think that some teens just aren't ready to get something permanent on their body. It's not to say that adults are immune - who is? It's just that it's far harder to prevent adults from making those decisions. They are legally in control of themselves. But teens...getting parental consent is a good idea. It forces us to really think about what we want and get a second opinion. I know I want a tattoo, but my parents, without a doubt, will say no. I'm not going to defy them, but when I turn 18 I will be getting my tattoo. What's a few more years? It's just more time for me to consider what I really want stamped on my body :)

I am a teen and I want a

Submitted by ShreyaK on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 18:13.

I am a teen and I want a tattoo and have been researching it for years. Although I can say that I have been looking into a tattoo responsibly, it is hard to say that for most other teens. I do still think that teens should need parental consent for a tattoo, because it is true that we are not as mature. If parental consent was not mandatory, lots of younger kids would be out constantly getting random tattoos out of impulse, most likely regretting it in the future. If a tattoo is really that meaningful to you, it can wait a few years.

Everyone is different, and

Submitted by isabelajvera on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 18:27.

Everyone is different, and for this reason teens desiring to get "inked" should not be lumped into one category. Just because they are young does not mean that they are automatically going to chose an outrageous, meaningless design just for the shock value. Many teens that want tattoos spend months designing them and determining the exact placement. Some even trying out temporary tattoos for a few weeks.
Parental consent is a pain for those whose parents do not agree with their desire for a tattoo, but it is necessary nonetheless. There are medical risks involved with going under the tattoo gun, especially if it has not been sterilized properly. As long as a teen is under 18, their parents are still responsible for decisions that could potentially affect their medical health. As long as teens have the consent of their parents and have carefully thought out the medical risks and permanent nature of tattoos, there is no reason why they should be stereotyped for wanting one.

I got a tattoo when I was

Submitted by Sarina-B on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 17:10.

I got a tattoo when I was 16. It's a butterfly that my brother designed for my sister before he died. When he died my mum, sister, and I went in on what would have been his birthday and got the same tattoo in memory of him.
The parlor I went to didn't even ask for consent.
I wouldn't change anything about it aside from it's a little crooked :P

Take your time

Submitted by pfranco on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 18:35.

I am not against tattoos and teens but you do need to take your time to figure out if getting a certain phrase or picture will be worth it. When you're 40, would you still be proud to show off a tattoo of your current boyfriend ?

My Two Cents

Submitted by JLoh on Mon, 01/04/2010 - 23:29.

I know 15-16 year olds who have had

-a baby tiger
-an Ecko Unlimited logo
-a Dragon Clothing logo
-a huge unicorn
-incorrect kanji
-a massive skeleton in a purple coffin
-names and initials

tattooed on various body parts.

I bet you anything that they will regret these decisions later in life. I know that there are some very responsible and mindful teens out there who will do their research and consider the consequences in depth; however, there are maaaany who are not. Therefore I think the parental consent is still a good idea - to save all those idiots out there.

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