Teenagers and tattoos
Teens are forever finding ways to shock their parents, as a form of rebellion they will cut their hair differently, wear outrageous clothes, pierce their bodies and sometimes get a tattoo, or several. Despite the legal restrictions on age, teenagers still manage to get a tattoo and once done it becomes extremely costly and difficult to remove. Depending on the level of defiance your teenager is displaying, the tattoo will be more or less visible.
Different schools have different restrictions on displaying tattoos, but the majority of them expect them to be covered up. A favorite place for a tattoo is the small of the back, only showing when very low hipster jeans are worn or bikinis or shorts. The top of the arm and shoulder are also popular as they can be covered by sleeves, even in the summer a cap sleeved tee shirt will hide a tattoo in this location.
What is the appeal of tattoos, given that it hurts to have one done? Boys may get a tattoo to show they are tough, and can take the pain, sometimes as part of a gang initiation. Girls are more likely to see a tattoo as a type of makeup, body art, an expression of their personality in a permanent fashion. Some tattoos are absolute works of art, intricate, detailed and beautiful but not necessarily appropriate for a 14 year old. There are, unfortunately gang connotations with many tattoos, a sort of branding of the wearer as being part of a group, a badge of honor confirming membership, rarely of a club that a parent would be happy about.
Some tattoos are actually offensive; they may seem like a laugh at the time but are regretted later. Reputable tattoo artists will not tattoo someone who is drunk, less reputable ones, and those abroad, simply want the money and do not care much. If your teenager comes home sporting something unpleasant on their body, then get them to cover it up and arrange for them to see a cosmetic surgeon or laser specialist as soon as possible. Tattoos can be removed, at a price, but, more importantly, you need to be sure that if your teenager has had a tattoo that they do not get an infection as a result.
Bad tattooists do not take care of hygiene and serious blood infections can result from a tattoo. Teenagers that repeatedly get tattoos and do not care if you see them are in emotional trouble and are probably acting out in other ways. If they will not talk to you, or listen to your concerns then get some professional advice. Their school counselor may be able to help or a troubled teen center may be the answer. Getting a tattoo may be an act of defiance or a cry for help, either way it should not go unnoticed.