Tattoos and Piercings

NT: When can I get a tattoo or body piercing?

 

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo or body piercing?

In the Northern Territory, there is no law which says how old you have to be to get a tattoo or body piercing. If you are under 18 it will depend on whether you are able to give valid consent.

When can I give my consent?

There is no fixed age at which you can consent before you turn 18. It always depends on whether the piercer or tattooist thinks you fully understand what is involved. In deciding whether or not you understand they will need to consider:

  • your age and maturity;
  • the tattoos or type of piercings and where you want them
  • whether you understand the long term impact of the piercing or tattoo, what it involves, and things that might go wrong (like side-effects from infections, or other complications).

In practise, many studios may still require parental consent. 

Before you get a Tattoo, or Piercing

It is important to be sure that you want a tattoo or other skin marking for the rest of your life as it is permanent. Also, a piercing may leave scars or holes long after you stop wearing the jewellery.

There is a risk that you can get a disease like Hepatitis C or B, HIV or a bacterial infection. It is always best to go to a professional tattoo artist and to make sure that the tattoo studio is safe and hygienic and all tools sterilised.

The content on this page was last updated on 02 April 2012.


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