Fifteen Year Old Obsessed With Tattoos

My 15 yo son has an obsession with tattoos. On one occasion he burned an x on his forearm with a knife, and most recently wrote on his arms and neck with a magic marker. These actions have surprised and greatly concern me. I don't believe they are normal adolescent behavior. What should I say to him ?

Thank you for contacting the Hotline with the concern about your son. Tattooing and scar r ing oneself can be considered self-destructive behavior. Sometimes people will cut on themselves in an effort to relieve emotional pain that they are experiencing. Has anything happened in his life that may be causing him pain?

It can also be a sign of wanting to be like certain peers or belonging to a specific group that uses this activity as a requirement to belonging. Talk to your son about this. Ask him why he is doing this. Does he feel badly about himself and wants to inflict pai n, or is he doing it to "fit in" with a peer group?

When you talk to him, be prepared to listen to what he is saying, and try to understand what he may not be telling you. Let him know where you stand on thi s. In talking with him if you feel that he is self-destructive, finding him a counselor or therapist would be a helpful step. You could actually start with a school counselor to get their perspective on his behavior .

If you would like to talk to someone about this, please call the Hotline at 1-800-448-3000. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sincerely,
Pat, Crisis Counselor

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