Turkish Government imposed ban on tattoos and piercings in all schools

Government of Turkey on 27 September 2014 imposed ban on students from wearing tattoos or body piercings in schools.

The ban also prohibited girls from dyeing their hair and applying make-up. It also forbids boys from keeping moustaches and beards. This move of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is aimed at restoring traditional values in Turkey.

The measure is the latest controversial measure taken by the Turkish government in education after it allowed girls in high schools to wear the Muslim headscarf.

The measure was denounced by Veli Demir, head of the Egitim Is education union. Demir opined that the measure is impossible to enforce as tattoos could not be removed like a piece of clothing.

However, the head of another major education union Ismail Koncuk indicated the ban would apply only to children who want to get tattoos after it comes into force.

A tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment.

Despite being highly fashionable among secular urban youth and teenagers, tattoos are frowned upon by conservative elements in the Turkish society. The reason behind this is that tattooing carries health risks including infection and allergic reactions.