Tattoos in Health Class Curriculum
With the high number of tattoos in middle and high schools, there is a definite need to add permanent body art education (tattoos and piercings) to every school’s curriculum. By spending two or more classes reviewing the social and health implications of tattoos and piercings, schools would better prepare their students for later success. Issues related to ink dye, tattoo regret, body changes with age, and more should be reviewed in detail.
Much attention and money has rightly been spent on education related to bullying, acceptance, social media activity and more. These are not traditional education topics, but are clearly related to social post-educational success. By having students learn about the barriers that exist for tattooed individuals as it relates to employment, social relationships, and long term health, they can make better and more informed decisions if they choose to get permanent body art.
After seeing the regret in the eyes of many of his patients about tattoos they got as teens while in school, Dr. Hall wrote a book, “Tattoos: Should I or Shouldn’t I: The health and social impact of permanent body art” and started this website, shoulditattoo.com, in an attempt to get young people to put more thought and research into the implications of tattoos.
After more research and discussions with educators in the community, the need for a book aimed at younger teens before they got tattoos and piercings was identified. A re-written ‘should I tattoo’ book was done and is available for school systems to purchase in bulk. “Teens, Tattoos, & Piercings“ is the health education supplement needed in classrooms across the country.
Contact:
Integrative Clinical Resources, Inc.
464 Richmond Road
Suite 201
Richmond Hts., Ohio 44143
216-881-5055
The book was written to be read in one or two sittings, just the right length for short attention spans. Classroom discussion on two to three days will allow questions and answers. A teacher’s guide is also available to facilitate uniformity of message. Go to teenstattoosandpiercings.com for more information about the book.