Tattoos, once seen as symbols of rebellion and adulthood, are now a common form of self-expression for teens. Recent studies reveal that between 10 to 23 percent of teens already have tattoos. Among high school students who don’t have ink, more than half are considering it. This trend is growing in size. In fact, the percentage of teenagers with tattoos rose from 21% in 2019 to 40% in 2022. Researchers say this increase is largely influenced by social media, where tattoo art is widely accepted. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made it easy for young people to find inspiration for what they want.

Reasons to get a tattoo

For many teens, their tattoo is deeply personal. Tattoos have become more than just art–they are emotional anchors, tributes and life reminders.

“My inspiration for my first tattoo was a bracelet I had for football,” senior Elijah Watson said. “It had a Bible verse (Philippians 4:13). I would put the band on my cleat, and the day it popped off, I had the best game in my life. So I decided to get it tattooed.”

For others, tattoos reflect inner growth or values they have. Not only are they cool to look at, but they can represent what they truly stand for. 

“I have several tattoos and for the most part, courage and self-improvement are the meaning to most of my tattoos,” Watson said.

The meaning behind it

Teenagers and adults each have a personal significance of tattoos. Some highlight strong family ties and shared experiences. Some teens choose to ink designs that connect them to loved ones, both living and passed.

“I feel like many teens are trying to convey their past through their tattoos,” junior Mohamad Mutawe said. “Many of my friends that have tattoos got them because they mean something. It sort of serves as a reminder to always walk around and carry that on you.”

That sense of memory and connection can be especially powerful when honoring those who’ve passed.

“This tattoo is my grandmother and grandfather’s handwriting,” senior Sofia Bonadonna said. “It is three hearts with a little squiggly heart at the end due to her losing her steady hand and not being able to make a clear heart. It reminds me every day that even though she is not physically here with us, she will always be watching down and watching over me and my cousins.”

Even with deep meaning, the process of choosing the right tattoo is not something teens take lightly. Many take their time to reflect on what best represents them.

“My tattoo means a lot to me as my mom has part of mine also inked on her,” sophomore Ayden Orak said. “And John 14:8 is also her favorite, and we helped each other pick out what we wanted.”

Orak tattoo is on his forearm and is cursive writing with six lines from the verse and the seventh line is John 14:8.

The reaction from it 

The decision to get tattooed at a young age can invite mixed reactions. Some teens face skepticism from older generations, while others are met with support.

“I think tattoos are becoming more socially accepted because most of them aren’t pointless and meaningless thing’s,” Mutawe said. “They usually tell a story or are a symbol for a loved one.”

Mutawe tattoo is a shark and it means to never stop swimming and keep facing challenges. It serves as a symbol of resilience and courage.

Orak faced judgment mostly from adults wondering why he got one at such a young age and why he did not wait until he was older to get one.

Despite the occasional criticism, the perception of tattoos appears to be shifting. Many teens believe their tattoos are not just body art, but stories displayed on them.