It is important to talk with your teens about tattoos and piercings so that they are aware of the potential consequences of these procedures, as well as how to find safe practices if they choose to get one.

As tattoos, piercings, and scarification have become more and more mainstream trends, teenagers don’t often take into account the long-term ramifications of these controversial body modifications. As your body grows, it’s very likely that your tattoo will stretch, fade or even become lopsided as you look at it with a more critical eye. Modifying or removing a tattoo of this kind is not an easy task.

Since 2010, a survey found that about 38 percent of 18-29-year-olds had at least one tattoo. This suggests that the number of tattoos among this age group has continued to increase over the last several years. At the present time there is one tattoo in every three adults, a percentage that has increased by 20% since 2012. In 2014, a survey of nearly 2700 people found that 76 percent of them believe tattoos and piercings have negatively affected their career prospects, while 39 percent believe tattoos and piercings reflect poorly on their employer’s behaviors.

The topic of these modifications is increasingly being brought up by parents and adolescents, who turn to their medical provider for guidance. This growing trend is the subject of a new clinical report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The following are ways you can help your child address body modifications:

Talk To Them Before

Before you do anything, make sure you speak with your teen. According to the state statutes of 45 states, minors (under 18) are not permitted to get tattoos or body piercings without their parents’ consent. I am sure that if they want tattoos that badly enough, adolescents will, in f, act, find a way to get them. As a parent or guardian, this is such an important issue that you should have this conversation preemptively with your teen. When someone mentions they want to get a tattoo or piercing, make sure you set a good example, and explain the consequences as well as guide them in safe practices.

If you are going to discuss the topic, do not get confrontational. Coaches should follow a non-confrontational approach to coaching while laying out facts in such a way that clients are able to make informed decisions.

Your decision must be permanent. Teenagers’ parents may advise them to wait until they are older and can proceed without consent in order to ensure their teens understand the permanence of their decision.

In today’s society, tattooing is more acceptable than ever before. Recent research shows that 86 percent of tattoo owners don’t regret getting inked, despite their permanence. In the event a teen pursues a modification, these points should be kept in mind:

Do The Research

Whatever your children decide, be sure to teach them how important safety and hygiene are when it comes to body modification. 

Ideally, you should find a reputable studio with well-trained artists as well as research industrial piercing jewelry for example. Researchers and practitioners who are safe and experienced should be consulted before the procedure.

Have A Checklist Of Safety Tips

Besides being clean and properly prepared, the skin and the needles must also be clean before tattooing. Infections are a threat, regardless of whether a tattoo or piercing is present. Tattooing has also been linked to hepatitis and HIV transmission, in addition to bacterial infections. To ensure that your immunizations are current, particularly with hepatitis B, and the parlor is clean and licensed as a dentist’s office, check the following. Practitioners should be able to show you their hands after washing them and the needle package after opening.

After Care Is Important 

Aftercare is an essential part of the chat. They need to understand how to take care of anything they choose to do as it may factoid in their choice.  In the event of increased redness, swelling, or pain, see a healthcare professional.

When your teen is considering taking part in this process, you should guide and counsel them, and always ensure that the process is safe. Parents and guardians will have another chance to bring up the important issues that teens are contemplating when making permanent decisions.

This short guide should help you to talk to your teens about piercings and tattoos. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share them in the comments below.