To protect the welfare of young people new laws make it illegal to perform tattooing, body modification or intimate piercing on someone under the age of 18.

Tattoos and modifications such as branding or earlobe stretching are permanent body changes.

While not all of them fail like the one in the picture, to help avoid ‘regrets’ and protect young people, these procedures can now only be performed on adults.

Piercing an intimate part of a young person’s body is illegal too.

Regular piercing such as ears or nose on someone aged under 16 is now ok, so long as their parent or guardian gives consent and is present at the time.

The new laws come into effect on December 19 under changes to the Police Offences Act 1935.

More information can be found on the Tattooing, Body Modification & Body Piercing of Youths page of this website.

To report someone for performing tattooing, body modification or intimate piercing on someone aged under 18 call Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.