Teen Body Piercing, Tattoos: What Parents & Teens Should Know

Body piercings and tattoos have existed for many generations and some people have it as part of their culture. Teens nowadays turn to piercings or tattoos to express themselves as a way to brand their own form of self-identity. However, unlike hair coloring, clothing or makeup, piercings and tattoos can be permanent and with it come some negative effects.

1.) Fads pass but piercings and tattoos can be permanent

Teens regularly go through phases and sometimes they go through piercings and tattoos phases as well. Family TLC explains that while these can be used for self-expression, openly communication with your teens can help a lot. It helps to remind them that when tattoos get permanently inked on the skin, it can be an equally painful and expensive experience to have them removed too.

 As for both piercings and tattoos, remind them too that there are various health concerns linked to these procedures. Remind your teen that they could get tetanus, Hepatitis B and C and bacterial infections from poorly sanitized tattoo and piercing equipment.

2.) Update their Immunizations

Teens can be rebellious and although some states require for them to have parental consent before getting inked or pierced, there are a lot of shady back-alley businesses that your teen could go to. According to Teen Help, get your kids to have updated immunizations for Hepatitis B and tetanus.

If you can't sway them to not get any piercing or tattoo, you can make sure that they are safe by taking precautions. Have them go to a licensed professional tattoo or piercing artist and make sure that their equipment is sanitized and they practice good customer care by washing their hands, wearing disposable gloves, sterilize materials and more.

3.) Practice Safe Aftercare

If your teen went ahead to get tattoo or pierced or both, make sure they are okay by regularly checking up on them. If they complain of any unusual signs like abscesses, allergic reactions, uncontrolled bleeding, infections and more, take them to the doctor right away