The Guidelines for Tattoos on Teens

While some parents worry upon hearing that a teen plans to get inked, other parents might learn of a tattoo only after seeing the artwork on a child's skin. Though you might not be able to keep your teen from getting a tattoo, you can discuss guidelines to protect your teen's health.

  1. Talking to Your Teen

    • No matter how keen your son is on getting a tattoo, encourage him to visit several tattoo parlors and ask about the training of those working there. Your city, county or state health department should have requirements and standards for tattoo practitioners, according to MayoClinic.com. You might also want to ask why your teen feels the desire to get a tattoo -- and of what. Is it to fit in or to honor a girlfriend? Remind your son that circumstances change, and he might later regret getting the tattoo. The pain, risk of infection and cost might also make him think twice about going forward.

    Safe Tattoo Guidelines

    • Equipment such as needles and pigments should come from sealed, sterilized packages, according to MayoClinic.com. Equipment that is not disposable should be sterilized in a device called an autoclave, according to KidsHealth. If a practitioner will not answer your teen's questions about safety and regulations or licensing requirements, leave. Gloves should be worn and the environment should be clean.

    Considerations

    • Your daughter might be so thrilled about getting a tattoo that she ignores the potential risks involved. Improper cleaning can increase your daughter's risk of getting an infection. Scarring around the tattoo and allergic reactions from the tattoo dye could be problems, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. It can also affect your teen's later health: MRI scans could cause swelling or burning on tattooed areas, and MRI images might not be as clear because of tattoos.

    Care

    • Your teen should ask the tattoo artist about how to take care of the new tattoo, and for signs of potential problems, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Generally, a tattoo should stay covered for 12 to 24 hours before gently washing with soap and water. The practitioner might give your teen an antibiotic cream to apply to the tattoo. While healing, long-term exposure to water, such as swimming, or the use of products such as peroxide or rubbing alcohol should be avoided.

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