Student's 'Bathroom Tattoo' Sparks Concern in Montana Town

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 16-year-old student at Custer County District High School in Miles City, Montana received a tattoo from another student on school property, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about the medical risks of unregulated tattooing. The student's mother says she will not make her daughter remove the tattoo, as the daughter made the decision to get it. School officials and the local health department have urged anyone who received an unauthorized tattoo to seek medical attention.

Why it matters

Unregulated tattooing, especially in school settings, can pose serious health risks like the transmission of bloodborne illnesses such as hepatitis C. This incident highlights the need for better education and oversight around the dangers of unsanitary tattooing practices, particularly among youth.

The details

According to the police investigation, a student at Custer County District High School gave another student a tattoo in a school bathroom. The mother of the student who received the tattoo says she will not make her daughter remove it, as it was the daughter's decision. School officials have declined to comment, but the local police department and health department have urged anyone who received an unauthorized tattoo to seek medical attention due to the risks of using unsterile equipment and needles.

• The incident was reported to the Miles City Police Department last week.

What’s next

The Miles City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident to determine how many students may have received unauthorized tattoos on school property.