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Body modifications (tattoos, and body jewelry) have become more and more prevalent among the present youth. It seems as though the stigma has all but disappeared.

I myself have a collection of tattoos and pierced body parts, a few dating as far back as the age of fourteen. I feel the need to be clear here, I did this before it was cool. After being pierced twice, my Mother gave up hope of extinguishing my love of permanent body art. She made me a deal, if I came up with a design and placement, and kept that same idea for six months, not only was I allowed to get it, but she would sit with me while I had it done, which was a meaningful experience. I proceeded to make nearly ten trips to the tattoo shop before I turned eighteen. It became a spiritual experience for me. Every design was carefully planned out, and it was the meaning behind the artwork that motivated me to sit through hours of soul cleansing pain.

Having something that signifies who you are and what you stand for permanently engraved on your body is a beautiful thing. I can't help but notice that these days, I see so many people, especially young people with what is probably meaningless garbage tattooed on their bodies. It makes a mockery of the art form.

I wouldn't worry about nose or navel rings too much. You can always remove them. I myself have never understood the difference between an ear piercing and a nose piercing, except that one is socially acceptable, and the other is not.

If you are struggling with a teen who insists on getting tattooed, I wouldn't suggest telling them to wait till they're eighteen. I don't think anybody woke up any wiser on their eighteenth birthday than they were the day before. They will most likely end up getting something just as senseless and regret it later on.

Stress the fact that it is permanent, and help them choose a design that will be meaningful their entire life, as well as worth the pain they will endure receiving it.

Remember the six month rule. If it wasn't for the fact that even as an adult, I always wait six months before going ahead with another tattoo, I would have plenty of mistakes etched in my skin.

Learn more about this author, Briana Collard.
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