Tattoos for 14 year-olds? One town says yes

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Town leaders in a central Massachusetts community are taking heat after allowing children as young as 14 to get tattoos.

Parents are upset about a decision by the Board of Health in Webster to allow 14-17 year olds to get tattoos at licensed shops if parents approve.

People 22News spoke with here in western Massachusetts say 14 is just too young to make such a permanent decision.

"There's still risks with getting tattoos, and people who get them change their mind very often," Steve Stein of Springfield said. "I'm not sure that at 14 you're able to make your mind up for a lifelong decision like that."

Webster town officials said the measure was passed to improve public health and make sure kids got tattoos from licensed professionals.