Are tattoos and piecings popular for students?  Survey says not so much.

According to NCS, until now, “Tattooing and Body Piercing of a Minor – It is unlawful for anyone to tattoo or pierce a minor under age 18 without the consent of the minor’s parent or legal custodian, who must accompany them to the procedure.” According to Wikipedia, Historically, “Greece, and Rome. Greek written records of tattooing date back to at least the 5th-century BCE. The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattooing to penalize slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war.” Originally, “Nose piercing is documented as far back as 1500 BCE. Piercings of these types have been documented globally, while lip and tongue piercings were historically found in African and American tribal cultures.” In a random survey of 50 Morton East students, 48 students reported that they did not have any piercings or tattoos.

“Well, I think I would have said no, but I lean towards yes now. I think as long as it is something that wants and is of age, or get consent from a parent/guardian, then why not? Both are a great form of self-expression and I find that students and people, in general, like them both. I think they are cool and if that is something you want, why not? I would say that this concept is changing. I know that a lot of people have either one or both and are very successful. Your choice to get a tattoo or get a piercing has no impact on your ability to do work or teach. I think that perhaps the placement of some tattoos might impact some things but other than that, they are good conversation starters for sure. I think that students get them because they are popular but also because of their reasons. Some might have a tattoo to honor someone or for their culture and the same for piercings that are a part of a tradition. On the other hand, some students might get them to rebel against their parents and guardians, but others just because they like them and want that art or modification. It depends. From my experience at Morton, I think I have seen fewer tattoos and more piercings. Masks and uniforms cover them, so I feel that I can’t say. I would say maybe even, but I haven’t seen a lot of students in person either,” student teacher Noelle Lowther said.

Both have the same opinion on how the student should not get tattoos or piercings without a parent’s permission.

“I don’t think piercings and tattoos are popular with students because most parents won’t let them get them until they are old enough to get one, unless they give them permission to get one, but I rarely see students with tattoos or piercings because they could have them beneath their uniforms,” Sophomore Christopher Hernandez said.

Another student feels different that they should change the age requirement to get tattoos or piercings without a parent’s permission because some students might be scared to ask a parent or guardian.

“I don’t think tattoos and pricings are very popular with students because I don’t see many students with them unless they are hiding them. I think the students should be able to get them at the age of 16 or 17 because they should be able to be responsible enough with their own body, but at the same time, they might regret them in future. I don’t have any friends that have any tattoos or piercings,” Sophomore Diego Mugica said.

Both have the same opinion on how getting a tattoo or piercing might affect a student’s life in the future, if they are not careful with what they picked they might regret it in the future.

“I think tattoos are a form of self-expression. That being said, sometimes teens make choices without thinking about the future, to spite their parents, or to impress someone. For instance, getting a tattoo of their significant other’s name or having really large ear gauges may lead to regrets later in life. It could. If it is not done by a reputable business, there could be health issues. Placement is a big choice. Most employers do not have issues with tattoos or piercings. Others may. I think females are more likely to get piercings, although there are lots of males with them too. Tattoos I think are pretty even,” assistant principal JoAnne Rzadzki said.