Get informed : Body and health
Questions about body and health
Changing your appearance
Piercings and tatoos
Getting a piercing or a tattoo. Some adolescents want or feel the need to mark their body to have it better reflect their identity or to make themselves feel more attractive. Everyone must decide for themself, based on their personal needs and values, if it’s worth doing.
How old do you have to be? It is difficult to answer this question accurately — it depends on where you go. Some establishments require you to be at least 16, or to have your parents’ written authorisation. Others may only require you to be 14; you should ask for information.
Be cautious! Watch out for places that make it up as they go. Certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can be transmitted through the blood (for example, through needles that have already been used on someone else). If you want to know what you should watch for, talk to a health professional.
Things to think about:
Ways of standing out. Piercings and tattoos are not the only ways you can stand out or create your own style. There are many others: clothes, accessories, dyes, temporary tattoos, and above all, your own personality.
How old do you have to be? It is difficult to answer this question accurately — it depends on where you go. Some establishments require you to be at least 16, or to have your parents’ written authorisation. Others may only require you to be 14; you should ask for information.
Be cautious! Watch out for places that make it up as they go. Certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can be transmitted through the blood (for example, through needles that have already been used on someone else). If you want to know what you should watch for, talk to a health professional.
Things to think about:
- Not every parent, friend, and employer will appreciate your tattoos and piercings. You can make your own decisions, and you have your rights. But let's put rights aside for the moment — will there be any consequences if you go ahead without talking to your parents or your boss?
- Have you taken the time to weigh the positive effects, negative effects, and risks that a piercing or tattoo can have on your body in the short, medium, and long term? For example, what would you do if you eventually get tired of the very thing you think is beautiful today… or if a future employer is not fond of your tattoo?
Ways of standing out. Piercings and tattoos are not the only ways you can stand out or create your own style. There are many others: clothes, accessories, dyes, temporary tattoos, and above all, your own personality.
Fashion and clothing
Fashion victims. We are all under a lot of pressure to wear fashionable clothes, and brands that our friends wear. We want to be like everyone else, we want to be part of a group. It’s an understandable need… While it's comforting to feel that we are part of the majority, we can also stand out and be unique by wearing clothes that we like and that are original and express who we are.
Other criteria. Brand and price are not the only criteria for choosing clothes; you can also choose clothes because they're comfortable or highlight some features. Not every style suits every person. Would you be okay being uncomfortable all day because your clothes don't suit you even if they are fashionable?
A question of values. Placing a lot of importance on the clothes we wear, and judging others based on this criterion is a way of thinking. But there are other ways too! Like finding out the interests and values of the person facing you. You can still be an extraordinary person even if you don't follow fashion!
Other criteria. Brand and price are not the only criteria for choosing clothes; you can also choose clothes because they're comfortable or highlight some features. Not every style suits every person. Would you be okay being uncomfortable all day because your clothes don't suit you even if they are fashionable?
A question of values. Placing a lot of importance on the clothes we wear, and judging others based on this criterion is a way of thinking. But there are other ways too! Like finding out the interests and values of the person facing you. You can still be an extraordinary person even if you don't follow fashion!