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 agree, I don't think tattoos are unprofessional but they can send the wrong message by being offensive or suggestive. Situations like that should be handled differently in the workplace.
I think you should be an audult 18 years old. Its your dicsion its just perminate so you have to make a wise decision. I dont think judging people that have a tatoo is right to do its a decision they made.
I think you should be 17-18 years old before you can get a permanate tatoo. This decision is permanate and you can't take it back so the kid needs to be mature enough to decide on their own.
Id let my kids get a small one at 16, than 18 whatever they want. Tattoos should be allowed in profession. My grandpa got his dead wifes name.
I believe that tattoos should be allowed in professional settings because if they were not, many people would struggle to find jobs. People are often very different than they were in the past, and I believe that this should not be considered in a professional setting, especially when it comes to tattoos.
I completely agree. Now is certainly not the time for employeers to be getting picky with their applicants, including people who have tattoos.
I would let my child get a tattoo. It would be at an age above 17. I think tattoos should be allowed in proffesional settings, but only if they aren't distracting or if they aren't on your face. My sister regrets a tattoo she got a while back of a mango on her right ankle.
I would let my child get a tattoo, however, they need to be 19 years old. I think it depends on the tattoo because if it's very vibrant and distracting then it becomes a problem in the workplace.
Interesting, is there a specific reason that they have to be 19? Not 18 or 21?
I think that tattoos should never stop someone from getting a job, but I do believe that large, colorful, and intricate tattoos can be distracting to a client and keep them from fully comprehending whatever information they need to know for the job.
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