The average teenager's life is filled with perceived angst, usually due to society's pressure to conform, and more and more of them are trying to reclaim their independence by permanently marking their skin. A survey conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 36% of Americans aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo (Associated Press). However, the study did not look at minors who had tattoos, likely due to the fact that 39 states have laws prohibiting minors from getting tattoos and 31 states have laws that prohibit both piercing and tattooing on minors without parental permission (National Conference of State Legislatures). However, this article will focus on the State of Texas and the Texas Health and Safety Code Ann. §146.012, which “prohibits anyone from tattooing a person under 18 years of age without the consent of a parent or guardian who believes it is in the minor's best interest to cover an obscene or offensive tattoo.” Required consent may be the physical presence of the person's parent or guardian or the provision of proof that he or she is the parent or guardian of the person being tattooed” (National Conference of State Legislatures). Although the law prohibits minors from getting tattoos in Texas, there can be heated debate in households as minors try to convince their parents to give them permission to tattoo. Minors need to understand that tattoos are permanent and that waiting until they are of age will give them better judgment when it comes to permanent scars on their body. A large portion of the non-tattooed population doesn't really understand the tattooing process and how it has become safer. However, the process...... middle of paper...... take care of their tattoo if they want it to heal quickly and be as bright as possible" (Beckerman). Trusting a minor doing this might make them better adults, but learning to take the time to make big decisions is a lesson that will help them get on a much smoother path in life Works Cited An Associated Survey. Press shows that 24 percent of Americans aged 18 to 50 are tattooed, July 23, 2006. Web. March 14, 2012. Beckerman, Gerry. Interview with tattoo artist, “Inkslinger” Karen L. Hudson, March 13, 2012. Web. Bernstein, Niel. How to keep your teenager out of trouble and what to do if you can. New York: Workman Publishing Company Inc., 2001. Dickson, “Why Not Tattoo.” Time (1999): 41. . Print. National Conference on Tattooing and Piercings for Minors Web March 14, 2012. Tattoos April 2009. Web March 14.. 2012.