A tattoo is a mark, design, or word intentionally placed on the body using an electric machine that penetrates the skin. Tattoos, originally used to identify slaves and criminals, have evolved from previous stigmas surrounding them and have become very common among the general population. Many people choose to wear tattoos to express their feelings, artistic nature, beliefs, or as a way to remember and honor someone or something. However, tattoos are often still frowned upon among certain age groups, social settings, and those who are prone to certain health risks.
A large number of teens and young adults have shown an increase of interest in tattoos over the last decade. In most states, the legal age to receive a tattoo without permission from a parent or guardian is 18. This ordinance is in place to regulate teen’s spontaneous ideas and to keep them from inking something they may regret in the future. The desire of most teens to get a tattoo is temporary, but tattoos are forever.
Stereotypes about tattoos have shifted, but they often still carry a burden in certain social settings and places. For instance, the workplace is a common area where tattoos are treated condescendingly and deemed unprofessional. When going through the hiring process, working with co-workers, or dealing with customers, it is more than likely that assumptions will be made about your character based on your tattoo, good or bad. Views and opinions on tattoos can create a negative stigma and a divide in the workplace.
Many who suffer from health risks like heart disease, eczema, allergies, etc., are most susceptible to battling side effects from a tattoo. The health risks of tattoos can be limited by choosing a registered, experienced tattooist. However, you are still prone to struggling with infection, allergic reactions, and thick scarring. These side effects may only worsen over time given that the skin that contains the tattoo changes drastically throughout your life. It is important to research all of the health risks and to consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.
Personally, I would like to get a tattoo someday. When I first proposed the idea to my parents, I was repeatedly told that I must wait until I am 18 when I can make the decision for myself. After doing research on this topic, I now understand their reasoning and the importance of thinking through my decision. I have a good idea of what I want my first tattoo to be, but thanks to my parents, I have plenty of time to fully consider my design before making it permanent.
The choice to get a tattoo is a very personal decision and requires many factors to be taken into consideration. Tattoos act as a form of self expression and can communicate different signals to the public. While they are often degraded by society for influencing younger age groups, creating division and a sense of unprofessionalism in the workplace, and propose a number of health risks, there is no doubt that tattoos carry artistic value that is personalized to each individual.
Would you let your child get a tattoo? If so, what age?
Should tattoos be allowed in professional settings?
Do you know anyone who has a tattoo they regret?
Sources:
The Nation's Health.org - Play It Smart With Body Art
Cluecho.com - Tattoos & Piercings
University Of Houston.edu - Tattoos In The Workplace
Replies
I probably wouldn't let my kid get a tattoo because kids and teens tend to be impulsive. I don't see tattoos as a bad thing, but they could be regretable and need careful consideration. I know I'll never get one. I think it depends on the tattoo's content whether or not it should be allowed in a professional setting.
I agree, tattoos require careful thinking and consideration that some teens are not capable of doing just yet. Sometimes they need an adult to put this decision into perspective for them.
If I was a parent and my child wanted a tattoo I would let them get it as long as they really want it. If they were to grow and hate their tattoo it would be on them since their the ones to get it. I'm not against tattoos and I think their cool but if you want one at a young age you should really want it and think about what it means for your future. I personally think they should wait till their 18 but if they wanted one at 16 I would be fine with it.
I like how you mentioned that the consequence of regretting it is on them. Often times, teens will complain to their parents about regretting this decision, when originally it was them who wanted it so badly. Tattoos have a nasty way of backfiring on you if not thought through completely.
I think I would let my kid get a tattoo once they become an adult which is 18 years old. I think it should mean something and they shouldn't just do it for fun. Tattoos should be allowed in professional settings because unless it is something offensive or distracting, then it doesn't cause a problem.
I would not let them get a tatoo because I think that they are dumb. I think they should be because poeple can do what they want to. I do know people who are trying to their tatoos removed.
I think that if my child got a tattoo of something that is significant to them, I would let them get a tattoo at aroung 16 or 17. I think that most tattoos people have are because it reperesents something that means a lot, like a family member dying, or something they have gone through.
My mom got a tattoo at 18 and she has had it for a very long time and she grew to hate it. She got her tattoo redone so she likes it better. She works at a job where she had to cover her tattoos and its not really fun for her. She doesn't want me to go through the same thing so I don't think she would allow me to get a tattoo.
This is a good example of how getting a tattoo at a young age might not "grow" with you as you get older. Your interests may change, but your tattoo cannot, but you are still stuck with it forever. It is important to think through this decision and only get it when you are really sure it is what you want.
I would let my kid get a tattoo but not a big one or like an arm sleeve. I think tattoos shouldn't be a big deal in professional settings.
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
of 7 Next