Q:How young is the youngest you think a child should be able to have their ears pierced? I had my ears pierced when I was 4, and I was willing enough to have them pierced (and they were pierced by guns, oh gods of body modifications please have mercy upon my soul - thankful I didn't get any infections or anything), although of course it was my mum's idea to get my ears pierced. Do you think this is acceptable, or is it only right when the child is old enough to decide totally autonomously?

imperial-stephtrooper

I knew I wanted mine done when I was 8, but because my parents thought I wouldn’t take care of them (which I probably wouldn’t have), I got them done on my 12th birthday. Gunned, due to my parents not knowing any better, and me not having any say in where we went.

I believe the child should be of an age where they can care for them with no parental supervision, be able to read and understand the instructions given, and pay close attention to them. 

My parents never asked if I wanted mine done, they never hinted, or suggested. They waited until I thought of the idea, and asked for it, so they knew I wanted them done, regardless of any influences. 

I will not go near a child under the age of ten. And if they are ten or over, I’ll ask them. If the parent butts in and says “Oh, yeah, s/he really really wants them done,” and appears to be talking for themselves rather than the child, I’d use my better judgement and probably not pierce. The child has to tell me what they want done, not the parent. Obviously it’ll be lobes (because we don’t pierce baby’s noses -.-‘) an when they’ve told me, then I’ll move forward and ask them about aftercare, and give a simplified aftercare sheet to the client, and a normal one to the parent, so should the client fail to care correctly, the parent can step in with the right education.

In short, yes, I believe the child should decide totally autonomously, regardless of parental decision. (Unless the parents don’t want it done, which is within their right!). The child should be able to understand and care for the piercing, regardless of parental influences, unless they can’t reach to see etc. 

Basically, unless I can see it’s the kid’s decision, I won’t pierce!

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One place I go for piercings refuses to pierce minors lobes under 14 (with parental consent, of course) and another studio I go to refuses to pierce anyone under 16 (again, with parental consent). Some piercers have VERY strict ethics on when to pierce minors, regardless of how ‘simple’ some view the piercing.

-Marley

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  1. awfulmodifications posted this