Question: Kids at our youth centre are getting horrendous tattoos which only make sense if they stand next to each other. Their parents seem to be okay with it even though some are as young as 12 and 13. What should I do?
Tracie Trimmer-Platman: In the UK, it is against the law to tattoo someone under the age of 18, so you need to report this. Talk to your local police team or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers. Also talk to the parents - they may not realise it is illegal.
Many celebrities have tattoos and it seems to be a growing trend. For young people, it may be a way of having a "visible voice" - showing the world who they are and what they feel without having to say anything - or a way of expressing a friendship or connection with someone. But we know these friendships may not last.
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