Body art is something that once administered cannot be taken back. The decision to modify your body permanently is something professionals and parents alike agree should be taken far more seriously.
Photo by Krosseel
Father of two, Matthew Graff said “While I do appreciate the artistry and the beauty of many forms of body art, my biggest concern is that I have seen fashion change. I would not want my own kids to make a choice based on a current trend that locks them into this moment.”
In a study done by abcnews, tattoo artist Patrick Dean said “in the last 10 years we’ve seen more and more teenagers getting tattoos and getting larger tattoos.”
It is becoming increasingly common around the halls of high schools across the nation. Even though the practice is illegal not much is being done of it.
In all 50 states tattooing under the age of 18 is illegal without parental permission but little is being done to prevent the inking of children behind closed doors. Parents are curious about how their teens are getting these done as parlors strictly refuse to modify minors.
On online retail such as EBay and Amazon you can buy a tattooing kit- complete with a tattoo gun, needles, ink, and alcohol sterilization wipes- for as little as $20. Teenagers nowadays are also getting creative with the practice of stick and poke tattoos.
Teens are gaining their colorful scars behind closed doors. Whether that be at friends houses, back alleys, or even the school restrooms. But parents are worried that bad decisions will come along with the easy access.
It is estimated that forty percent of the population of sixteen to twenty four year olds now carry permanent ink with them wherever they go and the practice is becoming less taboo as time goes on.
Amelia Allred
Latest posts by Amelia Allred (see all)
- Remembering Makayla - January 31, 2017
- The Importance of Winter Break - December 8, 2016
- Artistic Expression at Orem High - November 11, 2016
