My 15-year-old son keeps telling me he’s going to get a tattoo. He says, with a twinkle in his eye, that he wants “I love my mum” written across his neck, but I suspect he would get something else. I don’t want him to do anything he might regret. Does the law say you have to be a particular age before you get tattooed?
The law says that people of any age can get a tattoo, but those under 16 can only get inked if they provide a consent form from a parent or guardian. In some parts of New Zealand, bylaws forbid tattoos without parental permission up to age 18, so check with your local council. A tattoo artist should give your son a consent form and must not proceed until it has been signed. According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, members of the Tattoo Artists Association of New Zealand operate by a code of ethics, which says they won’t tattoo anyone under 18 without the consent of a parent or caregiver. Of course, many tattooists are not members and some may well tattoo anyone who asks. Why don’t you tell your son that if he waits until he’s 18, you’ll get one with him? Might work!
Do you have a consumer question for Kevin? Email [email protected], or post to Weekly Consumer, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
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