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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

that allowing your 12 year old to get a tattoo is wrong and irresponsible.

96 replies

almosthuman · 22/01/2015 08:26

I regularly check my DD12 social media accounts and found that one of her school friends has a tattoo on the back of their neck. It is a real tattoo and her parents were the ones that arranged for her to have this done and were very pleased with it.

I do not believe that a 12 year old has the maturity needed to understand that a tattoo is a life time commitment and not something that can easily be removed. I think that her parents are irresponsible for allowing this to happen.

I have a tattoo's so am not against them, however, I was in my early thirties when I finally decided through several years of debate and research that I would like one.

This child is now in isolation at school as she has her tattoo on display which the school is unhappy about although not against any of their policies as children don't generally get tattoo's.

I do not have an issue with children expressing themselves with haircuts, make up, clothing etc, but I do have an issue with tattoo's at such a young age.

OP posts:
dexter73 · 22/01/2015 08:28

It is illegal so I imagine it doesn't happen very often. What an awful decision for the parents to take.

SqueezyCheeseWeasel · 22/01/2015 08:29

If this is a real thread then yes, of course it is wrong and irresponsible. Possibly a social services red flag?

FightOrFlight · 22/01/2015 08:34

12 years old and they took her to a professional tattooist Hmm
Nope, can't actually believe that would happen, even the really dodgy ones wouldn't risk doing that.

There are people who buy tattoo guns and work unlicensed so I suppose it could have been done by one of those.

So how many people are being prosecuted over this? I assume both parents plus the person who did the tattoo. The school would have had to report this as it is not only illegal but would also be a safeguarding issue especially if done by an amateur (health risks)

Original poster
almosthuman · 22/01/2015 08:39

Yes this has actually happened if I could figure a way of getting the instagram photo off of my dd's phone I would post it. The message doesn't say where she had it done however they have apparently just come back from holiday abroad so could have had it done there but not 100% sure.

I assume that the school will report it as I agree that it should be.

OP posts:
Ohmygrood · 22/01/2015 08:39

You found out about this by looking at your dd's social media?

It's probably not true. No tattoo artist would tattoo a 12 year old surely.

wigglybeezer · 22/01/2015 08:41

I thought it was illegal under eighteen WITHOUT parental permission, don't know for sure what the lower limit with permission is.

Ohmygrood · 22/01/2015 08:41

A holiday in term time and a tattoo?!
The school are probably more concerned about the holiday in term time though.

Original poster
almosthuman · 22/01/2015 08:43

The tattoo looks very real not at all like a decal.

OP posts:
dexter73 · 22/01/2015 08:44

It is illegal for under 18s to be tattooed unless for medical reasons.

SqueezyCheeseWeasel · 22/01/2015 08:44

Well, if you do figure out how to post it, don't. Not a great idea.

askyfullofstars · 22/01/2015 08:44

If it was done on holiday could it not be a henna tattoo (and you know how some children can be, trying to pass it off as real on Facebook and Instagram to look cool to her friends), there are loads of places that do those overseas (clutching at straws)

Original poster
almosthuman · 22/01/2015 08:51

No unfortunately not a henna tattoo.

OP posts:
Pensionerpeep · 22/01/2015 08:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DeliciousMonster · 22/01/2015 08:55

And why would you post a photo of someone else's kid online anyway?

CaffeLatteIceCream · 22/01/2015 09:00

Since it is a criminal offence for a child under 18 to be tattooed (excepting certain circumstances) I would report it to the police. Surprised the school haven't done so.

MidniteScribbler · 22/01/2015 09:00

I don't believe it quite honestly. Most likely a fake done on holidays and she's having a bit of fun. I had one done at a show when I was about eighteen and teased my dad with it for a few days letting him think it was real.

Original poster
almosthuman · 22/01/2015 09:04

DeliciousMonster I never said that I would post a photo of the child BUT of the tattoo. I would never post a photo of my own dd on here let a lone someone else's child.

If this turns out to be fake tattoo then I would really be surprised because why would any sane parent allow their child to be in isolation for several days for a decal tattoo that can be removed?

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 22/01/2015 09:06

Of course it's real. Very easily done abroad.

There are plenty of mind numbingly stupid people out there.

I know without question that one of the children ive looked after would have tattoos drawn on it by its Mum (who has her own tattoo gun and can't draw) if she wasn't afraid of her other children being take into care. Her 5 year old at home with her has a tattooed heart on the underneath of her foot.

CaffeLatteIceCream · 22/01/2015 09:06

Exactly. I think if it was fake, the parents would have told school by now.

Original poster
almosthuman · 22/01/2015 09:08

LaurieFairyCake bloody hell and I though that 12 was young.

OP posts:
jeee · 22/01/2015 09:09

Do you really believe that anyone's going to come on and say, 'actually, now you mention it, my 9 year old has a very nice tat.' If it's real, I rather suspect it's a child protection issue. And I'm sure the school is dealing with it appropriately.

ThereIsACarInTheKitchen · 22/01/2015 09:10

My money is on it being fake and she's just pretending it's real.

Stinkle · 22/01/2015 09:12

I can easily believe it.

As a foster carer I've had young teens (13/14) in placement with tattoos. Parents/friends with their own tattoo gun and it's very easily done.

Trickydecision · 22/01/2015 09:12

Too right, Pensionerpeep.

Gatekeeper · 22/01/2015 09:14

just awful; there is a girl my my dd's class (yr 8) who has her tongue pierced
Shock