AS A reaction to growing numbers of self-piercing and tattooing kits available online, Bega Valley Shire Council has proposed a body art awareness program for local high schools.
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The program would focus on risks and potential long-term effects of tattoos, body piercings, dermal implants (metal attached under the skin to make it protrude) and scarification (a deliberate decorative scarring process), while also informing teenagers about the safest places to undergo body art procedures.
Council’s environmental health co-ordinator, Greg O’Donnell, says the program was initiated after a local body piercer said backyard body piercing was becoming an issue.
“Anytime you pierce or alter your skin like that, there are risks of damage or infection and we need to ensure people understand those risks,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“Running seminars at high schools for year nine and 10 cohorts is targeting teenagers before they’re legally allowed to be pierced or tattooed. That way they understand potential risks and appropriate places to go for body art when they turn 16 or 18.”
Some high schools have expressed interest in the program, still in its planning stages.
It would be a first for NSW and support has been expressed by national organisation, the Professional Tattoo Association of Australia (PTAA).
PTAA spokesperson Patsy Farrow, a tattoo artist from Victoria with over 40 years experience, said there has been developing concern about self-tattooing and piercing for some time, sparking a need for awareness in teenagers.
“We have concerns about people not knowing enough about our industry,” Ms Farrow said.
“Some will go to unscrupulous measures to have (body art) done; eBay is destroying our industry when any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy a tattoo gun... it’s very scary.”
Local priest Father Mick McAndrew has expressed concerns about the program, fearing parents are being left out of the loop.
“I would support an awareness campaign outside of schools that specifically targets parents,” he said.
“I take exception to raising the issue with vulnerable, impressionable teenagers without parents present.
“This is such a crowded curriculum already we do not need a non-essential, non-school related issue in the classroom.”
Fr McAndrew also worries there is no state regulatory body for body art, though local parlours must register with BVSC to operate.
“For the registered places it should be advertised that these are the people agreeing to protect our kids.”
Mr O’Donnell said the council is considering a concurrent campaign of awareness with parents, and welcomes parents and teenagers to contact him with questions or concerns by email at godonnell@begavalley.nsw.gov.au, or call or text on 0428 484 460.
