close up of tattoo gun being used on skin
Jade Small
Jade Small
February 15, 2024 ·  3 min read

A 10-Year-Old Boy Got a Tattoo. His Mom and the Tattoo Artist Were Arrested

Tattoos have been growing ever more popular in recent years. The evolution of the designs tells a story just as fashion does. However, there is a gray area when it comes to children getting permanent body art. Some say it’s okay, and others are revolted by the idea. One mother allowed her 10-year-old son to get a tattoo on his arm. Which ultimately ended in her arrest, along with the artist. 

getting a tattoo done
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Mom arrested for son’s tattoo

Not all states across the country share the same views on tattoos, and this is reflected in their law and regulations for minors. But, in the state of New York, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to get their skin inked, even with their parent’s consent. 33-year-old Crystal Thomas was arrested last month for allowing her 10-year-old son to get a tattoo. Although, she stands by the fact that she was misled to believe the tattoo was a temporary one. However, her son got his name tattooed in big block letters on his forearm.

Read: I’m desperate to rent a house so I can see my new baby – but my face tattoos put landlords off

tattoos
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Allegedly, her son’s tattoo was discovered because he went to see the school nurse. He asked for Vaseline for his arm, which the nurse found was meant for his tattoo. She immediately called the police, and his mother was arrested. Town of Lloyd Police wrote in a Facebook post, “Thomas was arrested October 04th and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She is accused of allowing her 10-year-old juvenile child to get a large permanent ink tattoo on his body. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in the Town of Lloyd Court on October 20, 2022.”

The tattoo artist is a 20-year-old Austin Smith who happens to be unlicensed. When pictures of Crytal’s son’s tattoo got out on social media, he was arrested as well. the police charged him with dealing unlawfully with a minor. This could ultimately end up with a one-year prison sentence. “It’s the worst mistake I’ve made in my life,” Smith said. “At the time, I thought if you got your parents’ permission, you could get a tattoo.”

Body art is growing in popularity

Body art is not a new phenomenon. People have been engraving their bodies with art for centuries, although the medium may have been adjusted since its invention. As time goes on, more and more people are decorating their bodies with intricate designs. The Harris Poll surveyed the number of people with tattoos over the generations. While only 13% of boomers have their bodies adorned, about 50% of millennials have inked skin. 

tattoos are growing in popularity
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Some people might attest the rise in popularity of body art to TV shows like Miami Ink. Where various artists’ work is showcased to thousands of people watching from their T.Vs. On the other hand, some might say it is retouching with our tribal routes, as we decorate our bodies with various significant artworks, scriptures, or patterns.

According to Supicket.com, the tattoo industry has been growing every decade by about 10%. They do not see that percentage going down either, but rather increasing. In the year 2021, the tattoo industry grew by 23%. Similarly, body art removal services have increased by 18%. So, this shows people regretted their tattoo decision.

The stigma of tattoos is decreasing, but at what age should people be able to legally receive one? Let us know in the comments.

Keep Reading: Tattoo addict mum, 45, says nobody will give her a job

Sources

  1. A 10-Year-Old Boy Got a Tattoo. His Mom and the Tattoo Artist Were Arrested.People. Alex Jones. November 14, 2022
  2. Mother arrested as 10-year-old found to have large tattoo.Independent. Andrea Blanco. November 15, 2022.