Many countries/states ban tattooing minors, which seems a very
sensible thing to do. But in exceptional cases (a very mature minor,
and full consent from the parents) one would like to get a tattoo done
on a 16 or 17 year old, for (important) symbolic reasons for instance,
but without bringing the tattoo artist in trouble. In which countries
or states is tattooing 16 or 17 year olds (with parental consent)
legally allowed ? Please keep in mind that I do not want to promote
this type of tattooing.

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Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 25 Aug 2006 04:41 PDT

Dear Labret, 

I don't think that any Researcher could provide you with a full list,
checking 200+ countries for their laws regarding tatooing minors.
Perhaps you'd like to limit yourself to certain areas in the world (or
increase the price)?

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Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 25 Aug 2006 05:02 PDT

In the meanwhile, I have found this, which would answer your question
regarding the United States:

Tattoo Regulations by state
<http://www.aaatattoodirectory.com/tattoo_regulations.htm> 

What other countries would satisfy you as an answer?

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Clarification of Question by labret-ga on 25 Aug 2006 12:42 PDT

I understand that checking all countries would be a problem. What
about western europe and the eastern half of the US, the areas where
the young guy in question is likely to be able to travel over the next
months.

Dear Labret, 

For US States, see again : 

Tattoo Regulations by state
<http://www.aaatattoodirectory.com/tattoo_regulations.htm>  

UK - prohibited (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969) 

Ireland - prohibited 

France - prohibited under the age of 16; minors between 16 and 18 must
have parental consent and one parent present.
<http://www.abctp.be/hygiene/static.php?file=consen_tatouage.htm> 

Germany - only with the consent and presence of one of the
parents/legal guaridans.
<http://www.ubm-bodyart.de/tattoofaq.htm> 

Spain - only with the consent of the parents. 
<http://www.imedia.es/cheva/estudio.htm> 

Italy - prohibited under 14 years; 14-18 year olds must seek parental consent
<http://www.consiglio.regione.toscana.it/leggi-e-banche-dati/note_informative_pdl/testi2004/piercing%20e%20tatuaggio%20-%20nota%20Dr%20%20M%20Cristina%20Mangeri.pdf>

I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
further clarification on this answer before you rate it.

I now know where to head with the kid.

I am certainly glad that I didn't get tattooed for "symbolic reasons"
when I was a teenager. A friend of mine has spent thousands of dollars
and has endured an immense amount of pain to have some tats that he
acquired in his youth removed. The kinds of things that one finds to
be cool and significant when one is 16 years old are seldom the kinds
of things that one will wish to display when maturity sets in.

How correct, Pinkfreud. It is so pathetic to see some people's
tattoos, exposing the folly of their youth...