Being a teenager means going through a lot of changes to try to find yourself over the course of a couple years. Navigating these rocky roads is hard, but there’s many ways a teenager can express themselves- such as artwork, makeup, singing, photography, etc. (Study.com.) These are all great hobbies and interests, although some teenagers might find themselves yearning for something more permanent: tattoos. Studies have estimated that 10%-23% of adolescents have tattoos, and more than 50% have said they’re interested in getting one (John Hopkins Medicine.) Yet, it’s a controversial debate between teens and also adults.
Some seem to be all for it, and others seem to doubt the irreversible body modification. Bartleby Research argues that teenagers should not be allowed to get tattoos without the consent of a guardian because the decision can be immature, dangerous, or even lead to job restrictions. Teens both inside and outside Roxbury High School, along with the faculty at Roxbury High School, hold their different opinions over the simple question, “should teenagers be allowed to get tattoos?”
These differences were put on display through a poll conducted amongst teenagers. 85% had said they do think they should be allowed to get tattoos, compared to the low 15% who disagree. It seems as though the majority of the younger generation is in favor of tattoos, making them a “mainstream trend” (John Hopkins Medicine.) We see this pattern continue with the students as well as the staff at Roxbury High School.
Junior Leyton Richards has a positive yet responsible take on the topic, “I think they should be allowed, but they need guidance because some people will get one and then regret it for the rest of their lives.” According to Advanced Dermatology, 78% of people who have tattoos, majority of them being teenagers and people in their twenties, regret at least one of their tattoos. It’s good to see kids are thinking about the future effects of these tattoos and putting consideration into their actions. Despite the regrets, some individuals think they’re good for teens to learn from.
Individuals such as art teacher Monica Roman, who’s all for the permanent body art. Roman further expressed her feelings on the topic, “It’s a good lesson to learn, and makes a visual reminder of the decisions you made.” Staying on the same path, Junior Richard Rocha shares his thoughts on the decision making, “Yes, I think they should be allowed to. I think it gives them more freedom about their own body, and gives them the responsibility to make decisions for themselves.” It’s important that teenagers learn how to handle responsibility and decision-making on their own while they’re young. A tattoo can also help act as an outlet to express yourself.
In similarity to Rocha’s comment, “Gives them more freedom about their own body,” Juniors Collin Arata and Brooke Timpano seem to agree. Arata went on to share, “It’s your body, your choice, why should it matter so much?” Continuing, Timpano expressed, “You should be allowed to get one, who really cares? It’s not that big of a deal. We’re young.” It’s possible more freedom amongst teenagers is a better choice in order to let them explore themselves and express themselves in the ways they seem needed.
Although the majority of teenagers and staff immediately leaned toward “Yes!” when asked if they think teenagers should be allowed to get tattoos through polls and interviews, that doesn’t mean it goes for everyone. The topic is still open for convivial opinions by all ages, some more pulled toward the “no” department. To each their own, at the end of the day it’s on your body, ultimately placing the final decision in your palms. Next time you’re bored with your look or want to express yourself through permanent ink, sit back and ask yourself, “should teenagers be allowed to get tattoos?”
