How old do you think a child should be to get their ears pierced?

[tigwig]

My 6yr old asked me yesterday. She will be 7 in June so I said yes she could have it done for her birthday or save up her pocket money if she wants it doing earlier. My mum said shes too young but shes such a wimp with pain I doubt she would dare go through with it anyway! Is 6 too young?

[milly143]

I don't think you can really set an age to it. In my opinion, they should be allowed when they are old enough to understand and make the choice that they really do want them doing. I hate seeing little ones with ears piereced because the child clearly has no say in the matter.

[zzxxee]

i think when a child asks then they are old enough to make the decision.
I personally dont like seeing small babies with ears pierced i think its cruel.

[ChuckFickens]

I'm not a parent, so please feel free to ignore what I say.

personally I think they are old enough when they can walk into the place and get it done without a parent being with them, i.e. 16+ (or is it 18?)

I think 6 is far too young.

[sara3]

consider the school rules on this but if both parents are happy, and the child realises what's involved, go ahead.

[zzxxee]

i didnt get mine done until i was around 12 my mum had hers done at the same time she was 34 at the time lol

[boxtops]

I'm with chuck on this one.
It was different when we were of school age though, we certainly weren't allowed any jewellery with uniform, so there was no competition to get it done.
16 to me is quite young enough, I really don't like to see little people emulating their elders while they are in primary school - it might look cute but I don't think it's right.

[milly143]

Me too Zzxxee. It didn't take long for me to get fed up with them though so I haven't worn any earings for years and years.

[zzxxee]

i have a small pair of sapphire studs my nan gave to me just before she died , i wear them on special occasions, other than that i don't bother

[boxtops]

I had mine done when I was about 50 - my best friend at the time died, and it seemed to be the right thing to do, life's too short, so I made the decision. I tend to wear the same small gold hoops most of the time though.

[jno]

I feel uncomfortable about children having body modifications, I think it's something to leave until you're an adult. But I've never had piercings or tattoos; it wasn't common when I was young and I don't feel any great desire for it now. Things are clearly different now; but I'd still say 6 was too young.

[AlBags]

Until they are old enough to understand what it is .. and they can decide for themselves!
I have known parents to get ears done at 1 year old .. ridiculous idiots.

[jackthehat]

I agree with Chucks comments (and shall leave it there for fear of offending anyone)...........unless pressed.............:o)

[Prudie]

This is a very personal thing. I think 14 at least is young enough. Why would one want a 6 year old to wear earrings? I feel the same about little girls wearing heels but it's probably just the way I was brought up.

[pastafreak]

I had mine done when I was 17-18. My mums were done when she was a baby.
A lot of cultures see no problem with babies having pierced ears. I think it is because it's jewellery...females wear jewellery..so it's OK. It's not about making them grow up too fast-like high heals would be.
Not sure about the pain,though. But I don't really remember it hurting all that much.

[LoftyLottie]

Same as Chuck and jno. Don't really like piercings, but hate them on children. Somehow it takes away their innocent look. But just my opinion and no offence meant.

[LoftyLottie]

Right, I am going to say it and be labelled a snob! ;o) I think pierced ears on little children looks 'common'!

[jackthehat]

See lofty..........that's more or less what I meant, too.........:o)

[Sqad]

Lofty...LOL....LOL I couldn´t agree more...BUT.....it is common in Spain to have tthe ears pierced at birth.

Anyway......what is wrong with being a snob?