Tattoos in Teenagers are Often Regretted

I recently read a study about people's opinions about their tattoos and I thought I would share it.  The study was done in New Orleans in the French Quarter. The researchers surveyed adults (501) who had at least one tattoo.  (I had to giggle because they did the study between 11am and 3pm when people were less likely to be "tipsy"!)

The researchers found that the younger someone was when they got a tattoo the more likely they were to regret getting it.  35% of those under age 18 when they got their tattoo regretted it.  This percentage decreased to 13.6% when people got it between ages 18-20 and 11.4% for those who were at least age 21.

Of interest the study also found that 21.2% received a tattoo while intoxicated and 17.6% of the surveyed group got a tattoo somewhere other than a tattoo parlor.

I liked this study because it remind us that getting a tattoo requires some good decision making skills that teens (and drunks!) are often lacking.  Also I was surprised at the number of people not using tattoo parlors (since they are on every corner). When one gets a tattoo elsewhere it puts them at risk of getting HIV or hepatitis C from unclean needles.

I think the takeaway point from this study is that we need to talk to our teens about tattoos.  We should encourage them to wait until they are at least 18 to get one and the improved safety of getting them at a tattoo parlor.  Teens like to express themselves so I would encourage instead of a tattoo that they change their hair color/style, make up or clothes style.  (Things that are reversible!)  Also I have pointed out to my teen that what is in style today for clothes or hair will not be in style in 10-20 years. So a tattoo that looks good now may be out of style in 10-20 years!

Driver's Permits

Car accidents are the leading cause of death and disability in teens so it is something I regularly talk about with my teen patients. I have discovered that many teens drive before they get their permit. I find this disturbing so I thought I would review the reasons not to let your teen drive before they get their permit.

1. There are significant consequences if you get caught.  My patients have told me of large fines and the inability to get their license before age 18.

2. Your teen is not covered by your insurance until they get their permit. If something happens you are responsible for the bill.  It is possible that the insurance might still cover it but then the insurance company will increase your rates (a lot!  Teens are expensive!)  As an aside insurance companies like to be notified when your teen is driving with a permit but your rates don't go up until they get their license.

3.  It is against the law!  In my mind this is the most important. If you as a parent let them break the law in this case what message are you sending them?  Do you think they are going to follow all the traffic laws when they are licensed and driving without you?  Teens are more likely to follow the example you set than what you tell them so remember that when you text while driving speed, or drive aggressively!