Adolescents Studies with Tattoos and Piercings

Is it crazy to think that teenagers with tattoos and piercings are linked with risky behavior? Some studies have recently shown that this is the truth. Those teenagers with tattoos and piercings are more likely to be found abusing legal and illegal substances, taking part in risky sexual behavior, disregarding school work and running away, thoughts of suicide thoughts and attempts, and delinquent behavior compared to those teenagers who don't have tattoos and body piercings. Body art is common among teens, with some studies showing 70% of teens having either tattoos or piercings.

These cases have looked into the piercings on teens and what they could mean. Academic performance is the most noticeable difference between pierced and unpierced students. In females, more than one piercing could be a cumulative marker of sexual partners and marijuana use. For males, multiple piercings could be related to his number of suicide attempts.

When the teens were asked why they received piercings, they said that it was a way of self-expression and uniqueness. 

Getting A Job

Do you put your future into your mind when you are getting big tattoos and crazy piercings? To most employers, visible tattoos and piercings, other than ear piercings, to be distasteful. Most formal businesses, like schools, will require that the piercing be taken out and the tattoos get covered up. But some people would rather not cover any tattoos or piercings up, seeing it as part of their personality. Even though must jobs are non accepting of body mods, there are still employers that are tattoo friendly. You may have to settle on serving food or bagging groceries because the choices are very limited. Some companies that do allow tattoos and piercings are ones that encourage individuality like Hot Topic, Journeys and obviously, tattoo parlors. Other companies allowing your individuality are Blockbuster, Kohl's and Petco.

Risks

There are many health concerns that associated with tattoos and body piercings. Since tattoos break the skin, an unclean needle can lead to serious health problems. If the needle was first used by someone infected with HIV, the disease will be transferred into your body. Also, the ink being used can cause an allergic reaction. The tattoo itself can get infected if it is not done professionally. And this could even kill you. When it comes to piercings, they can easily get infected, especially when pierced with a cheap metal other than silver or gold. Nipple piercings can affect with breast feeding, when the piercing interferes with the milk duct. The stud used for tongue piercings can cause dental problems since it can chip away at the tooth enamel.

Body Piercing and Tattoo History

Body piercing and tattooing has been around for hundreds, even thousands of years. Tattoos and piercing is a form of art that is found on many bodies, mostly those of the younger generations. In ancient Egypt, tattoos were a sign of nobility. To the Mayans, piercings were part of their religious culture. Piercings on Roman soldiers were a sign of their manhood. But in today’s society is similar to those of the English and European in the late 1800s. Body piercings and tattoos are seen as a fashion statement.