How young is too young for a tattoo? If your teenager wanted to get a tattoo, how would you respond? Tattooing laws for people under the age of 18 years old vary state to state and even some cases city to city. Most states allow 16-year-old teens to get a tattoo with parents consent, but some states do not have any official laws regarding the minimum age requirement. I think the most important thing is to keep an open dialogue with your child. This does not mean you are agreeing to let them get a tattoo but if you allow your teen to express their reasoning for getting a tattoo, it gives you the opportunity to express your concerns.

A 2010 Pew Research found that 40% of young people between the ages of 18-29 have tattoos and about half of those have 2-5 tattoos. Studies are also finding that parents increasingly support their kids' decision to get a tattoo, according to cafemom.com 15% of moms say they'd allow their teens to get a tattoo, while 30% said they were uncertain but would be open to the idea depending on their age.

There are many things that need to be considered when thinking of allowing your underage teen to get a tattoo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are only 9 states that have proper health codes in place for tattoo parlors. The tattoo artists should use sterile needles, razors, wash their hands, wear gloves, and keep all surfaces clean to protect their clients from the risk of infections. There are serious risks of infections, due to unsanitary practices your teen could be exposed to germs and bacteria that cause skin infections, such as staph, tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C viruses.

Tattoos are increasingly becoming popular with teens, this piece of art is a way to express themselves. Once you get past the concern of infection there are other things to consider. Its possible the teen will later regret their decision, the average cost of removing a tattoo is $750-$2000 and takes many sessions. There is the fear that people including potential employers will treat a person with a tattoo differently. Artists also warn that inked art on still-developing bodies can change for the worst over time as the skin stretches.

Now you are probably assuming that I do not like or have any tattoos. I actually have four tattoos, 1 on my back, 1 on my neck, 1 on my ankle and the last one on my foot. I was not a teenager when I got any of my tattoos, the first one I received was on my 30th birthday and my fourth I received just before my 45th birthday. Both of my kids have shown interest in getting tattoos, my son got his first one when he was 18 years old and a second one when he was 20 years old. My daughter is 16 years old and has already designed her first tattoo that she is getting when she turns 18. Would I like them to consider waiting longer, the answer is yes, I would have.

I have always wanted a tattoo since I was probably 16 years old, but I never had the courage to do it. I am glad that I waited to get one after I had kids and had the opportunity to grow and experience life. The original spot for my tattoo would have been ruined after having children. I love my tattoos and they are part of me and who I have worked very hard to become. They really are an expression of me.

I would not sign for either of my children to get tattoos before their 18th birthday. I feel that this is something that they need to decide as an "adult." I think whether or not you sign for your teen to get a tattoo it is important to help them choose a reputable tattoo parlor.