theres nothing wrong with getting a tattoo or piercing. and also just because we're teens does not mean we're completely irrisponsible and brainless. and its not just teens who go out and get tattoos and piercings. its all ages.

I've considered getting one of the tattoos I've drawn but I keep redesigning them so I'll probably never get to it.

You can always take a stud, ring, or whatever else out, so piercing isn't anything I'm all that oppossed to. Tats and such are right out for the underage as far as I'm concerned as they linger a bit...

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!!!!!!!

Have you seen what happens when a toddler gets ahold of a magic marker or sharpie?  They amuse themselves by drawing designs onto their skin.  That is what tattoos remind me of -- infants disfiguring themselves.

I wonder whether psychologists can explain the desire to make oneself as ugly as possible in order to 'look cool'? Perhaps kids should be encouraged to limit their self expression to hideous clothing which can easily be replaced when they grow out of the need to look grotesque.

I've never had any desire to get a tattoo or a piercing, and I don't understand the desire of the masses of teens to get themselves 'done'... I have never found piercings or tattoos to be remotely appealing...

this is your own personal choice if you are mature enough.

Tatoo or piercing aren't that bad, not that I have either, but if you want to look cool, become educated, driven, focused. Be who you are without trying too hard to be someone else.

After all the connection with totalitarianism, barbarism and demonstrative stupidity, kids still rush like lemmings to brand themselves for life. A really lucrative invention would be the tattoo that lasts for five years.

It is a dumb thing to do unless you're above the age of 18 and completely sober when it happens. I'm hoping my kids will not want to go crazy when the reach their teen years. I won't hold my breath, though. I couldn't wait to get my first tattoo when I turned 18. I guess they don't bother me that much. There are worse things. My kids won't have my permission to do all that, though. After 18, I won't worry about it.

My daughter (15 years young) is already asking to get one. Ive said no for now and know that it is much more fashionable than it was in my day. "When your 18 and or on your own, you can screw yourself up all you want, until then, absolutely not". Thats my stand so far. Mama is leaning towards letting her soon because she is from the younger generation and had tats by the time she was 17, (my wife is 30, Im 46)so I might be screwed!!

I guess it just depends on the amount. I don't mind 1-2 of each, especially those that can be covered when necessary. I don't think it all too appealling to have multiple facial piercings and tattoos that either: can't be covered, take up large amounts of space, or are just tacky/offensive in nature. My tattoo is: small, easy to cover, and not of some offensive image. As for piercings, I got rid of the belly ring, and don't plan on ever getting another piercing again.

And not just tasteful ones either: facial tattoos (including even inside the mouth), piercings on nearly every body part, cattle brandings and other additional body modification methods are all currently in vogue as techniques for teens to look or feel cool. When these become passe, what's next?

I understand the thing behind "freedom of expression," but this looks really ridiculous.