PurposeTo date, studies pertaining to possible links between body modification and risk‐taking behaviours have been conducted mainly among targeted groups. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of a number of risk‐taking behaviours on the probability of being pierced or tattooed among a general adolescent population.MethodsData come from a cross‐sectional study conducted among a sample of 2180 students aged 12–18. Data were collected directly from students through a self‐report survey.ResultsFindings confirm the “risky” nature of these practices even though the tattooed and pierced subjects of this study were from a general adolescent population. Factors that contribute significantly to the likelihood of teenagers being tattooed or pierced, for both genders, are associated with “externalized risk behaviours” such as multiple drug use, illegal activities, gang affiliation, problem gambling, school truancy and rave attendance.ConclusionNowadays, tattooing and body piercing are perceived by many as body decoration, increasingly belonging to the realm of generational conformity. Contrary to this view, our results suggest that these practices among adolescents are mostly adopted by those who are involved in various deviant or illegal activities, which are often interrelated.

Background: Although body piercing and tattooing seem to be gaining popularity among a diversity of social and age groups, studies of these practices in general adolescent populations are scarce. This study establishes the prevalence of body modification (tattooing and body piercing) among high school students in grades 7-11 (aged 12 to 18). Methods: Data come from a 2002 in-school survey conducted among a representative sample of 2,180 students (81% response rate) enrolled in the 23 high schools of the Outaouais region in Quebec. Systematic sampling was performed. Specific data on tattooing and body piercing are available for 2,145 students (1% non-response rate). Results: A prevalence of 27% for body piercing and 8% for tattooing is observed among high school students. Differences between girls and boys are observed in many ways: i.e., frequency and number of tattoos or piercings; aftercare practices. While most teens say that a "professional" in a studio performed their body modification and that they received aftercare instruction, a high percentage of students report health complications following the procedure. Conclusion: Results show that tattooing and body piercing are common among adolescents and may involve health risks. Consequently, appropriate preventive measures should be adopted by professionals such as school counsellors, nurses, physicians and others who are in contact with teenagers to help them make informed choices. MeSH terms: Tattooing; body piercing; adolescents; survey JULY-AUGUST 2006 CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 325 * p-values are shown for the comparison between girls and boys. † p-values are shown for the comparison between age groups.