Getting a tattoo in high school is a controversial choice. Some people argue that it is a lasting choice, that teenagers aren’t prepared for it, and that they might regret it. The truth is, though, adults are in the same situation. I believe that getting a tattoo in high school should be more acceptable in society because it is a form of expression that students shouldn’t have to worry about other people’s opinions when they get them.
When students get tattoos, they usually think about why they want this tattoo. When a tattoo means something to someone, it isn’t something that should be frowned upon.
Additionally, students shouldn’t be judged for getting tattoos, because we don’t know why they got that tattoo. Many people get tattoos because they have lost someone, for cultural or spiritual beliefs and to have visual reminders of challenges they have overcome. We can’t know unless we ask.
We don’t judge students as much for piercing their bodies, and that is quite permanent as well. What is the difference between a piercing and a tattoo in others’ eyes? I believe that tattoos are just as much a form of expression as piercings and that tattoos should be treated the same as piercings.
One thing that I’ve noticed people associate with tattoos is rebellion. But that isn’t true in this day and age. We see teachers, doctors and even lawyers with tattoos and nobody calls them rebellious for it.
We also see children’s role models, such as soccer player Lionel Messi, with tattoos. People like Messi, Patrick Mahomes and even President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr show that you can have tattoos and we won’t judge them for it.
That being said, high schoolers should definitely be thinking about what they’re actually wanting from a tattoo and not just tattooing impulsively. There is a difference between tattoos with a meaning and impulsive tattoos.
The main thing teenagers should think about is that the choice they make could affect future jobs, depending on what the tattoo is of, where it is on the body and what others perceive of it.
Teenagers should understand that the process to remove tattoos is sometimes more painful than getting the tattoo, and a very hard process. When teenagers get a tattoo, they need to make sure that they truly think this tattoo means something to them.
Students should definitely think about their choice before deciding whether or not they want a tattoo, but in the end, if the student chooses an art that means something to them, then I think we should support their decision, not criticize them.
