Houghton, S., Durkin, K., & Carroll, A. (1995, Winter). Children’s and adolescents’ awareness of the physical and mental health risks associated with tattooing: A focus group. Adolescence, pp. 971-987.

OVERVIEW

Research indicates that tattoos and body marking practices are increasingly prevalent among adolescents—and mostly administered by self, friends, or amateur tattooists. However, attitudes toward tattoos are generally negative, often associated with undesirable or illicit activities. The one group that seems to diverge from that attitude is the early adolescent female; she favors small tattoos.

This study includes references to medical literature (some of which date back to the early part of the century) which address numerous risks—from infection and tissue damage, to venereal and skin diseases, tuberculosis, and allergic reactions. Current medical research shows that body marking is potentially lethal through the contemporary diseases of Hepatitis B and C and HIV transmission. (Smith, 1950; Dolan, 1990)

In addition to the medical information, the topics of tattooing’s social stigmatism and how it relates to a young person’s employability, as well as what tattoos signify and the psychological understanding of tattooing (and therefore others’ interpretations) are also covered.

While there is information on short- and long-term risks associated with tattooing and body marking practices, little is known about the development of attitudes toward them or about adolescents’ awareness of the health risks or social consequences. This study focuses on acquiring that information and understanding from the young people.

DESIGN

This is a rather small study of 80 young people, randomly selected, ranging from ages 6-16 1/2 years, representing grades one through eleven. The middle-class, socio-economic status group was selected from one primary and one high school located in Perth, Australia. The open-ended questions solicited views on knowledge, health beliefs, and the process of tattooing as well as attitudes toward behavior, awareness, and long-term consequences of the practice. Since discussion was solicited by the question form, examples of the dialogue and statements of the students are included in the study.

FINDINGS

General knowledge. Most participants from grades 1-11 knew what tattoos were. The specific knowledge increased with age; for example, by grade 3 most knew that ink and needles were used for the process. All above grade one knew they were permanent. Health consequences. All participants knew that one could suffer illnesses, with the high school level making distinctions depending on where the tattoo was obtained and identifying certain potential consequences (i.e., a street needle passing on HIV). Attitudes. Most expressed negative attitudes toward tattoos, particularly on the permanency issue, but the attitude was more positive among adolescent females, especially specifically referring to small tattoos such as rosebuds, etc. Motive. When asked why people desire a tattoo, the main explanation was image. When asked if one would still like the tattoo when he or she was a grandparent, the response was a resounding "no!" Stereotypes. There are many images of the types of people who sport tattoos: bikers, laborers, garbage men, drug dealers, actors, rock singers, and sailors. However, at the high school level, many deemed it unfair to stereotype people because of their tattoos. Opportunities. All believed that tattoos would affect one’s employment opportunities, especially if the tattoo is clearly visible. Lifestyles. The younger participants believed that people with tattoos would be more likely to party, stay out late, hang around pubs, smoke, and work as drug dealers. The older group didn’t believe it was fair to stereotype. Friends and associates. A generally expressed view was that friends of people with tattoos would be "undesirables"—druggies, bikers, criminals, and people with non-professional or even night jobs.

CONCLUSIONS

• The younger population clearly knows and has definite opinions about tattoos and body markings. The perceptions and ideas seem to grow in direct relationship to developmental and physical growth, particularly about abstract thinking processes.
• Since many "role models"—fashion models, rock singers, actors, and sports stars—have tattoos and display them openly, the level of acceptance is increasing.
• Still, there is a negative connotation associated with tattoos, often placing people with tattoos into undesirable social categories and thinking of them in the lower status types of employment.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Would you ever get a tattoo? If so, what kind of tattoo, and where on your body?
2. Would you favor a law mandating parental permission for a minor seeking a tattoo?
3. Besides expressing unique individualism or group identification, can body marking also express rebellion and anger?
4. How would you teach or discuss this issue with young people? What more do you want to know about this issue?

IMPLICATIONS

1. This issue needs to be discussed with young people today for three reasons: first, tattooing has greatly grown in popularity in the 1990s; next, permanent markings can be imposed on impulse or while intoxicated; third, the physical dangers are numerous.
2. This study indicates that youth workers should be more aware of the significance of tattoos in adolescent culture. Tattoos emerge as an effect of an adolescent’s identity development.
3. Body image is a critical part of the larger identity issue emerging during adolescence. Tattoos and suggestions about body image are prevalent in the media; they need to be processed with teenagers.
4. A vulnerable target for tattoos is the young female; her emotions and body changes are out of control and is she pre-occupied with herself. It is at this time that consequences are not a consideration. Youth workers need to be attuned to help this age level in order help avoid possible long-term regret.

Anne Montague cCYS