Every once in a while you’ll come across a kid with a tattoo, let’s just say, that was acquired, let’s say, not so legitimately. The child either didn’t tell his/her parents and faked credentials for an artist who legally cannot tattoo anyone under 18, or it’s a 13-year-old with parents as artists.
No matter the situation, laws prevent teens under 18 from purchasing tattoos.
Considering the age limit varies from state to state, there is no solid reason for an age limit, as legislative reasons vary from state to state. What the laws for getting a tattoo do have in common is artists are always allowed to ink a tattoo on a person 18 or older.
Tattoo artist at Imperial Body Art, Justin Duncan, said “I won’t tattoo under 18.”
A lot of tattoo artists seem to feel this way. Duncan said, “I won’t do it because I feel when a kid tattoos under 18, he will regret it when he gets older.”
Some underage teenagers who manage to obtain a tattoo, get a weird one that they believe is the coolest thing at the time, but realize it was a mistake when they grow older.
People with parents as tattoo artists who tattoo their children before the children turn 14 are breaking the law. “I think the age should be higher,” said Duncan. “I think it should be increased to 18 years old.”
Many teens never regret the tattoos they get. What teen would regret a tattoo that served as a remembrance to a family member who died?
Whether you’re 14 or 17 and planning on getting a tattoo, it may be legal in idaho, but if your artist doesn’t want to give you one, you’re out of luck. Tattoo age limit is up to the artist to a point and you just have to find the right one if you want that smiley face tattoo on your ankle you’ve always wanted.