Ear Piercing in Babies

[plowter]

If parents get their babies ears pierced is this child abuse?

[andy-hughes]

With the exception of Poison-Ivy, I would agree with all the posts here - inflicting pain on anyone unable to make an informed decision is abuse.

PI says her daughter is now ten, and most of her daughter's friends are having ears peierced - "... what's the difference ...?"

The difference is, a ten-year-old can say "No thanks Mum, I don;t fancy having my body mutilated because you think it looks nice ..." - a baby is deined that luxury.

That, PI, is the difference.

[andrea81]

I think that anything (non medical) such as cometic reasons, a child should be old enough to be asked and understand what it means!

[Bohne]

My parents had my ears pierced when I was four.
Today I could kick them for it, since I hate the holes in my ears!

[Lindylou]

Not sure re ear piercings. But tattoos definitely are!

[Poison-Ivy]

Andy-Hughes, my point really is I don't think ear piercing should be classed as "child abuse". Ear piercing isn't painful, maybe just a slight discomfort (well no one i know says it was painful)

and also (not to you ah) just to point out that not all parents who have their childrens ear pierced are "chavs" either.

[toby99]

Poison-Ivy � As you seem to be in the minority at the moment, would you mind telling me why and what made you have your baby's ears pierced? I have always wondered what makes a mother do that to their babies. Like I said previously, I was so distressed at having to let my baby have her vaccines and could never allow anyone to inflict unnecessary pain.

I don't mean to be offensive to you, but I have always felt so strong about this issue and I do believe that it is abuse and I would really like to hear your views on it.

[Poison-Ivy]

Hi Toby, i'm not offended at all, i'd rather you ask. Its how i've been brought up I suppose. My ears were pierced when I was 2 years as were my sisters (3 of us in all). I never experienced any pain or infections with my ear piercing and neither have any of my family. When ears are pierced in older children, they tend to "fiddle" with them more and want to change the earrings too soon.

I don't know many girls who don't want to have their ears pierced once they start reaching the age of 8 or so. Of course they may change their minds once they are teens or adults but I think very few do. and its not the end of the world only a tiny hole.

I just can't see how people can class it as abuse thats all. I have no problems with their opinions on why they wouldn't do it.

[toby99]

Thanks Poison-Ivy - I think you are right, it is what you are use to and what our experiences were as children.

What about you plowter - what are your views?

[chewbacco]

ugh

[andy-hughes]

Poison-Ivy

I have thought about your comments, and mine, since our original postings.

I think possibly the use of the term 'child abuse' is too strong in this instance - it infers that having a baby's ears pierced is akin to beating or sexual abuse, and it is obviously nothing like as serious as that.

I would like to withdraw my response in terms of piercning being 'abuse', but I do reiterate my point that it only fair to wait until a child can make a decision before embarking on such a proceedure.

That said, I can quite understand your different viewpoint, given yours and your family's experiences with pierced ears.

I think we can agree to differ as mature adults who hold differing points of view - a shining exmple to some members of the AB community who are far to quick to pour scorn and vitriol on a discussion.

[Bee35]

I too do not like to see dangly earrings in babies, but many religions do this a spart of culture. Circumcision is sometimes necessary. Both of my sons had to have it done for medical reasons.;not a procedure I would have chosen to put them through, but sometimes it is necessary.

[andy-hughes]

Bee, I had it done for medical reasons - at fourteen, and believe me, it;s not something I would wish on anyone either!

Glad now though.

[perigra]

i don't think it's child abuse. the pain involved is miniscule compared to the usual everyday pains a baby might go through - nappy rash, teething, imunisation, a rusk in the eye, being left to cry when all they need is a hug, etc, etc.

it is extremely tacky though!

[pastafreak]

I don't have a problem with it-but ONLY if it is done for cultural reasons. I had mine done as a teenager,my daughter's were done at 10yrs when she had been asking for a while. Her grandmother took her,and her son-my husband -wasn't too happy about it. My own mother -a first generation daughter of Italian immigrants,was done at birth. This of course at a time when the methods used would have been far more painful than those used today. In that case.only very tiny sleepers or posts are used,the likelihood of them getting snagged or caught are minor. But to do because Chantelle will look cute is vile....I have seen too many with long,dangly fake 'gold' monstrosities on their ears..... they just look like littlle 'mini-mes'.

[SKA]

I always get a bit startled seeing babies with their ears pierced, talk about kids growing up too fast, I think it�s mad!!