Evidence · Tattoos and body art
What should families know about teen tattoos?
How common tattoos are, what the FDA warns about, and what state laws allow for minors, with a link to every source.
The short answer
About 1 in 3 American adults has a tattoo, and 1 in 4 of them has regretted one. The FDA has not approved any pigment for injection into the skin, and removal can leave scars. State laws differ. New York bans tattooing anyone under 18, while Florida allows it at 16 and 17 only with a parent present and notarized consent.
Tattoos are common among young adults
A 2023 survey of 8,480 adults found that 32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 41% of adults under 30. The same survey found that 24% of people with tattoos have regretted getting one.
What the FDA warns about
The FDA says it has not approved any pigments for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes. It has received reports of infections from contaminated inks, and warns that even sealed, unopened inks can carry bacteria. Some infections need months of antibiotics, and some need surgery. Unsterile needles and equipment can spread HIV and hepatitis, and complete removal without scarring may be impossible.
What state laws allow
States set their own rules for minors. In New York, tattooing anyone under 18 is a class B misdemeanor, with no exception for parental consent. In Florida, no one under 16 may be tattooed except for medical reasons, and 16- and 17-year-olds need a parent present, photo ID and notarized written consent. Check your own state's law before you decide.
What you can do now
- Talk with your child about permanence and regret before the subject comes up with friends.
- Read the FDA's tattoo safety page together.
- Look up your state's law on tattoos and piercing for minors.
- If your family says yes, ask the shop about sterile single-use needles, sealed inks and its health license.
Related
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