As a special mother-daughter bonding, my mum plans to take me to get a tattoo with her. I am 17 and in the state of Pennsylvania. I would indubitably have parental permission, as my mum will be getting a tattoo with me. Is this legal?

Did you call the shop you'll be getting it done at yet? They would know

Ask Child Protective Services. I'm sure they will tell you when they take you away.

What?

As long as the parent is there and signs the release the shop should do it. I live in PA and I know a lot of people who got tattoos with a parents permission before they were 18.

Thanks

My research indicates it is illegal under the age of 18, even with parental consent: "tattooing of minors is prohibited; new restrictive codes; illegal for cosmetologist to provide permanent makeup in salon according to the State Board of Cosmetology"

http://www.aaatattoodirectory.com/tattoo_regulations.htm

Ask Child Protective Services. I'm sure they will tell you when they take you away.


I'll join in on "what?" How do you see CPS involved if her mother goes in with her and she's 17?

As long as you have parental consent, it should be fine.

Here are some sites with the laws listed, or quoted.
Pennsylvania Tattoo Laws (http://www.everytattoo.com/pennsylvanialaw.shtml)
Tattoo Laws Pennsylvania - United States - TattooJoy (http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_laws/united_states,pennsylvania,1.htm)

If you call and ask the parlor you plan to go to, they'll be able to tell you for sure. As long it's a reputable tattoo artist, they will be current on the laws. You should also ask if there's any documentation you need to bring in to prove that she is your mother.

Okay, I'm getting mixed answers here.

So I'm kind of confused

Just call the tattoo parlor you're planning on going to. They'll tell you for sure if you're allowed. They'll also let you know if you need to bring anything to prove that she's your mother, in addition to the photo id you'll have to take anyway.

The Law is posted in two ways on several sites - I posted one version above (illegal to tattoo under 18); the second says that it IS legal under 18 with the consent of a parent.

I realize that laws change but it is impossible to tell which is current.

I would ask at the tattoo parlor.

Thank you everyone! I'll be sure to do that

Thank you everyone! I'll be sure to do that


Would you please come back and let us know what the current law is? Someone else will ask this at sometime and what you learn will be most helpful.

Thanks -

Ask Child Protective Services. I'm sure they will tell you when they take you away.

What was this for? It was a little on the unnecessary side wasn't it? Nice way to scare a kid. Either say yes it's legal or no it's not.

Thanks J

What was this for? It was a little on the unnecessary side wasn't it? Nice way to scare a kid. Either say yes it's legal or no it's not.

I want to know what makes AK think CPS would get involved. I knew several kids who got tattoos before they were 18. I had class with one girl who got a tattoo for her birthday every year starting when she was 14. Yes, I live in Ohio, but I don't think pa is much different in this matter.

Tattoos and piercings are generally governed by the same laws. If a minor can get their ears pierced with parental consent, then they can probably get a tattoo the same way.

i want to know what makes AK think CPS would get involved. i knew several kids who got tattoos before they were 18. i had class with one girl who got a tattoo for her birthday every year starting when she was 14. yes, i live in ohio, but i don't think pa is much different in this matter.

tattoos and piercings are generally governed by the same laws. if a minor can get their ears pierced with parental consent, then they can probably get a tattoo the same way.

I want to know the same thing Heath,

And good point

i want to know what makes AK think CPS would get involved. i knew several kids who got tattoos before they were 18. i had class with one girl who got a tattoo for her birthday every year starting when she was 14. yes, i live in ohio, but i don't think pa is much different in this matter.

tattoos and piercings are generally governed by the same laws. if a minor can get their ears pierced with parental consent, then they can probably get a tattoo the same way.


That's why I asked AK why he thought CPS would get involved - he signed off and I didn't get an answer.

My mom was going to give permission for me to get a tattoo when I was 17 (before I chickened out) Does that make her a bad parent?
Of coarse not, she's a wonderful mum, she just knew I really wanted it and I was going to get it when I turned 18 anyway, the design I picked out wasn't trashy and it was going to be placed somewhere that wasn't visible anyway.

I asked him as well

I don't see how it would make a parent a bad parent. I mean it's all about freedom of expression right

I waited until I was 30 to get my first tattoo. My parents would have flipped.

I got the tat a day before my mothers funeral. I did mention it to her before she died and I was pleasantly surprised. She said "I wish I was young and healthy, I'd get one on my butt". :)

Tattoos are a form of expression. If you can't get it now then wait until your 18. Just make sure you're happy with the design and the place you put it, it is forever. Also choose an artist who has experience, you don't want someone that only has a year under his/her belt doing this tattoo.

Lastly, we'll be needing a picture when it's done. :)

I waited until I was 30 to get my first tattoo. My parents would have flipped.

I got the tat a day before my mothers funeral. I did mention it to her before she died and I was pleasantly surprised. She said "I wish I was young and healthy, I'd get one on my butt". :)

Tattoos are a form of expression. If you can't get it now then wait until your 18. Just make sure you're happy with the design and the place you put it, it is forever. Also choose an artist who has experience, you don't want someone that only has a year under his/her belt doing this tattoo.

Lastly, we'll be needing a picture when it's done. :)

I just want something simple, barbed wire over my wrist, with a heart in the center. I need something to cover up that dang sickening scar. And it's supposed to represent me.

I'll be sure to post up pictures

I just want something simple, barbed wire over my wrist, with a heart in the center. I need something to cover up that dang sickening scar. And it's supposed to represent me.

Mine is on my ankle, a wavy design in black that meets up on the side. In the middle are two hearts with my parents initials in them. :)

Think over the barbed wire, unless that's something you really like, I'd go for something a bit softer, something you can grow into. That's just me though.

Why not start a thread asking for tat designs? We have a lot of creative people here. :)

Mine is on my ankle, a wavy design in black that meets up on the side. In the middle are two hearts with my parents initials in them. :)

Think over the barbed wire, unless that's something you really like, I'd go for something a bit softer, something you can grow into. That's just me though.

Why not start a thread asking for tat designs? We have a lot of creative people here. :)

I think I should!

And the barbed wire is something I've been thinking about for years, I'm either doing that or rose thorns.

Think very hard, as well, about the location. Remember you are only 17 and have a lifetime ahead of you yet. There are many careers that you will not be eligible for if you have a tattoo that is visible and not able to be covered up by clothing. It WILL limit your employment opportunities when you get older.

I plan on being a cultural or forensic anthropologist

Just out of interest it is legal in PA for a person under 18 to get a tattoo as long as their parents or their guardian signs for it.

Tattoo Laws Pennsylvania - United States - TattooJoy (http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_laws/united_states,pennsylvania,1.htm)

I plan on being a cultural or forensic anthropologist

Keep in mind that plans change. I'm not trying to change your mind, but rather the location of the tattoo. You may not be taken seriously as a scientist with a visible tattoo.

I plan on being a cultural or forensic anthropologist

And if that doesn't come off?. remember the Tattoo won't either Emop :cool:


J's point is very valid and one you should think through very carefully before you commit to something like barb wire , now personally I have absolutely nothing against that myself , BUT if I hired someone with certain attributes lets say , my Boss would pull me over the coals , just the way of the world I'm afraid.

Just out of interest it is legal in PA for a person under 18 to get a tattoo as long as thier parents or thier guardian signs for it.

Tattoo Laws Pennsylvania - United States - TattooJoy (http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_laws/united_states,pennsylvania,1.htm)

Thanks!

And if that doesn't come off ?? .......................... remember the Tattoo won't either Emop :cool:


J's point is very valid and one you should think through very carefully before you commit to something like barb wire , now personally I have absolutely nothing against that myself , BUT if I hired someone with certain attributes lets say , my Boss would pull me over the coals , just the way of the world I'm afraid.

I know the effect it will have, But this is something I need to do. Maybe I'll bet the barbed wire on my ankle instead? I have a suicide scar there too

I know the effect it will have, But this is something I need to do. Maybe I'll bet the barbed wire on my ankle instead? I have a suicide scar there too

At least you can put socks on if the occasion called for it ;)

At least you can put socks on if the occasion called for it ;)
True true

But I'm more ticklish there!

I think the ankle is a great idea. I wear either socks or nylons, it's barely visible with nylons and if it is or someone complains then there's always boots. :)

It's sad that your employment could be effected by a tattoo, but that's the way it is. It shouldn't be but many people still view tattoos ans only things that sailors and hookers have, that was the way my mother-in-law felt and she was not happy when she saw my tat.

If you put it somewhere that's easily covered then you don't have to fear that it will effect your dreams in the future. I'd hate for you to not get the job you dream of all because of a tattoo.

Something to think about. :)

I'll join in on "what?" How do you see CPS involved if her mother goes in with her and she's 17?

I suppose I shoulld have used a "sarcasm" emote. Just couldn't find one.

I suppose I shoulld have used a "sarcasm" emote. Just couldn't find one.

The sarcasm came through loud and clear. It was tinged with something else, though, too. Bitterness or anger or distaste. I'm not sure.

What we can't understand is why in the world you would feel the need to tell her that she would get taken away form her parents for getting a tattoo, even if you were being sarcastic.

Emop, maybe you could compromise and get a tattoo somewhere hidden at first and then decide if you still want the barbed wire later?

I just know a few people who really regretted theirs after they got them.
Not because they didn't like them but because they were actually not allowed to go into some restaurants and clubs because they had tattoos showing.

I don't have a problem with them at all (I have 2 myself) but I'd just hate for you to regret it later in life when someone tries to whisk you away for a romantic evening in a beautiful restaurant and you are not allowed in.

Oops I guess I should have written that tattoo comment here, oh well silly me.
I got my first tattoo when I was 15. Did not have my parents permission, luckily they didn't see it until I was 17, and my mom didn't freak. Was it the most responsible thing to do? no. Did that make my parents bad parents? no. Do I regret what I chose? Yes. Well I guess it's not that bad it's kind of cute in it's getto -fabulous way ;) Maybe I should get it touched up.
I also hate that certain jobs frown upon self expression. Although I guess I would be intimidated if I were in the bank trying to get a loan and it was from a guy who had a full face tattoo!
But yours sounds nice. I like the rose thorn idea, but maybe you could think of somewhere not noticeable UNTIL you get your dream job and know that it's okay to express yourself that way. Just a thought. I know when I was 15 I also got facial piercings. I now have holes in my face. A lot of people don't even notice them, but I do. I also don't think my boss would like his staff to have lip and eye brow rings while dealing with his clients. So when I was out looking for my career, I knew I needed to take those things off my face to be taken seriosuly, and like an adult. I know that I wouldn't have the job I have now if I had visibal tattoos or peircings. And even some fast food restaurants like Tim Hortons for one, makes you wear band aids to cover up your tattoo's while at work. I think that looks nasty, and I would rather see some tatto of a naked chick then a dirty old band aid!

I suppose I shoulld have used a "sarcasm" emote. Just couldn't find one.



I think the "sarcasm on the legal board" issue has been addressed before.

I have a tattoo in the hollow of my shoulder, in front, just above my breast - it's covered by anything/everything but a bathing suit because I am well aware that it would be difficult for me to find employment in my field with a visible tattoo.

I suppose I shoulld have used a "sarcasm" emote. Just couldn't find one.

Threatening someone with CPS, being taken away from her family, is sarcasm to you? Sarcasm is supposed to be light and airy, it's usually obvious and it's usually not hurtful.

No, I don't believe it was sarcasm, I think you're resorting to that because of the way people reacted to what you said.

I really don't think that the legal boards is a place for sarcasm anyway. I've always been told that this is a very serious forum and only accurate helpful information is welcome. Your post was neither.

I really think you owe the OP an apology.

I have two tattoos. One on each breast. They are covered by most shirts. The shirts that don't cover them, aren't appropriate for work anyway.

Even though I am an artist by choice, I know that I will spend a good portion of my life working in other jobs. I made sure that my tattoos could be covered if I needed them to be.

Seems like the legality of an underage tattoo has been addressed well, and since you brought up the tat in my Café thread, I thought I could give my opinion! :)

I'm also all for free expression, but, as the others have said, I know I would not have my job if I had visible tattoos. I've never had one, but have often thought of what I would get... and I know what it would be. It would be the Chinese character for love. To me, it is the most beautiful character in the Chinese language.

I would choose that because it means something to me. I spent two years in China and have fond memories. You need to choose what is you. You can be defined in a tattoo... get what you believe represents who you are.

Also... another question - unrelated, but not really... Why is your mom always doing things to "bond" that involve body modifications? I mean, maybe I am wrong, but didn't she just get a piercing with you? Why does she feel that you need to pierce something or tattoo something to "connect?"

Just wondering at the psychological side of all this... :)

OOoO now that sounds juicy! (the phycological side of things that is... )

At last a question I can answer - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/bereavement/loss-baby-how-do-get-past-445980.html

At last a question I can answer - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/bereavement/loss-baby-how-do-get-past-445980.html

Yes, I know the story of Emop's past... she has been wonderfully transparent on here - she's really opened up to us and allowed us all in. And for that, I am very thankful. To be friends to her is a wonderful treasure. She's been through a lot and she is still carrying on.

What my question was, though, was why does her mom want to do all these things that involve body modification to "bond?" I guess I'm clueless about it all, and probably should not have even posted on this thread.

Like I said, I'm all for freedom of personal expression... but why is her Mom asking her to do these things to bond? If she wants to get a tattoo (and it's legal), I say, why not? But for her Mom to say, "Let's get piercings to bond!" and "Let's get tattoo's to bond!", I just don't see the reason. What happened to "Let's go out to dinner to talk?"

I know, I know, maybe I'm reading into it too much. I just want to try and understand Emop's situation better. That's all. :)

I was thinking more of A Freudian slip, or parapraxis in terms of the phycological meaning behind the body modification. I have read her story, I find her to be a well rounded person. Having a friend like YOU is what she needs :)

Ugg

That was for Shaz.

I don't think you should get a tattoo right now. You are trying to cover up your slash scars on your wrist with barbed wire(?) The slash scars will fade in their own time. You would just be drawing attention to your wrist scars this way.

Let mom get her own tattoo. Get one for you later in your life and not now. You have enough on your plate as it is now and reminding yourself every time you look at your wrist tattoo is not going to help you with your problems.