Body modification such as piercings and tattoos have become increasingly popular with young people. Unfortunately, when body modification procedures are not done responsibly, children and young people are at risk of harm.
To support children and young people to make informed decisions about the choices they make, resources have been developed to raise awareness about body modifications, including the risk of ‘Scratchers’ – individuals who tattoo in an illegal and unregulated way. The following resources were designed to equip parents/carers and other professionals to deliver key messages to young people about body modification.
The materials are available to download below:
Body Piercing Awareness for Young People
Daniel Hindle In December 2002 Daniel Hindle, a 17 year old Sheffield boy, died from septicaemia after visiting a Sheffield studio to have his lip pierced. After his death, Daniel’s mother Christina Anderson campaigned to raise awareness of the health risks associated with body piercing and for better regulation of the body piercing industry.
Changes to the Law Regulating Body Piercing Outlets With the support of Meg Munn MP the Dan Aid campaign and Meg Munn achieved an amendment to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, allowing local authorities to regulate body piercing outlets in their jurisdiction. This by-law (section 120 and Schedule 6 – the regulation of cosmetic piercing and skin-colouring businesses), has been adopted by Sheffield City Council. This means that all local body piercing outlets must be registered and will be subjected to inspections; practitioners must meet basic hygiene standards – failure to do so could result in prosecution.
It is important that young people, parents and carers are able to make informed choices about body piercing. The ‘Check It Out’ awareness campaign conveys important safety information about body modification.
You can access the "Check It Out" resources here:
For further information please contact the Licensing Managers: SCSPsafeguardinglicensing@sheffield.gov.uk