The prominence of tattoos among high school students across the U.S. has grown exponentially.
In all states, it is illegal to attain a tattoo under the age of 18 without written parental consent, and in Illinois and South Carolina, you must be 21. Those found guilty of violating this law by tattooing minors can be fined $100-$500 and/or can be imprisoned for 30 days to a year.
The strong influence of ink art upon teens has been argued. “It’s the rebellious stage and most people want to do anything to make their parents mad, though that’s not the reason I got mine,” junior Rachel Fuentes said. She has a tattoo of a fleur de lis surrounded by stars. “It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, but I’ve always wanted a tattoo. It’s art.”
Many people do not look beyond cosmetic reasons for acquiring a tattoo. Serious health risks can develop from unsanitary needles or unclean facilities. Viral Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne disease in the U.S., according to the CDC.
According to the study entitled “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,” 3.2 million people have been infected with Hep. C. There is no cure for Hep. C, though minimal treatment is available. The CDC study reported that 9.1 percent of the 3.2 million with the disease were infected from needlestick penetration. Some of the symptoms associated with Hep. C include liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and ultimately death.
The most common method of tattoo removal today is done by lasers. Its risks include damaging the skin and causing blisters, scabs and scarring. Tattoo removal cannot only be physically painful, but costly, as well. The cost can range between $250-$1000 and can take up to 10 sessions for complete removal. Alternative removal methods include Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, a dermal enhancer found in many spas that use a high intensity light in place of lasers and removal creams.
The Jefferson Parish Public School System prohibits all tattoos that are gang-related, depict drugs, alcohol, tobacco or obscene subjects or symbolize membership in organizations not allowed to meet on campus.
At King, students who violate the rules against tattoos are verbally warned before any serious action is taken. If they refuse to cover it, they may receive a call home or be written up. “If students have tattoos, then they must have long sleeves to cover it up,” Assistant Principal Bob Collins said. “It’s not a problem though, because all the kids are really cooperative about it. They know to cover it up.”
Some also feel that students should wait until they are adults before deciding to get a tattoo. “I do not feel they should do it,” Collins said. “Because they’re not adults yet and should realize that it’s something they have to live with for the rest of their lives.”