I need someone in authority to shed some light on this new phenomenon among children called the 'tattoo'. I am somewhat confused as to what children are allowed to do these days.

Are they allowed to wear a permanent tattoo? Is this one of the rights of the child? Are there medical consequences down the road for these tattoo-sporting children. Recently, a mother reported that she could not give blood for her daughter's surgery because of her tattoos.

Claiming ignorance

Many parents of tattoo-sporting children claim that they have very little control over what they do since they say that they did not know how and when the children had them done. One mother, when pressured about her child's action, actually gave an explanation that was plausible, I suppose - that it was her (the mother's) name that was written in the tattoo.

It is my opinion that in the same way it is illegal for children to purchase cigarettes, alcohol and games of chance, children should not be allowed to purchase permanent tattoos, and the adults who put them on should be criminally charged.

I am, etc.,

MONICA McINTYRE

Principal

Ocho Rios High

St Ann