Petition to ban ear piercings for babies

[julian]

I wonder if this is likely to get anywhere?

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2...-ear-piercings

It would be good if it also included a ban on the use of piercing guns.

[beautiful-disaster]

I posted this on my facebook page. I think an age limit would be good. I don't see them banning the use of guns although I think they really should be.

[Boo]

It won't get anywhere. It never does. I'd rather they ban infant circumcision first.

[julian]

It won't get anywhere. It never does. I'd rather they ban infant circumcision first.

Personally, I would ban *all* body modifications (including circumcision/fgm/piercing) for anyone under 16 (for ear lobes) and 18+ for everything else. Adults should be permitted to have modifications as they wish - but should not have the right to force them on their children.

[Boo]

Personally, I would ban *all* body modifications (including circumcision/fgm/piercing) for anyone under 16 (for ear lobes) and 18+ for everything else. Adults should be permitted to have modifications as they wish - but should not have the right to force them on their children.

I disagree and I think we need to treat modifications differently especially an ear piercing on a 15 year old to FGM for example.

However, I do hope that the discussion on infant piercing is enlightening to some. However as there are still people in this country that do it as a matter of a cultural process then it's going to be extremely hard to ban in any way. My sister lived in Czech for a while and many people there have the doctor pierce their infants soon after birth, often using a needle, it's just what they do and always have done. I'm not saying it's right/wrong but it appears to be steeped in tradition and history...

[Thehorror]

16 is a little old for a limit on lobe piercings... I had my second ones done by my own choice with my own allowance at 10, then my thirds at 12 as a birthday present and fourth at 14. I think that's reasonable

[beautiful-disaster]

I think that it should be age restricted to kids say 6 and under. even then for me it's a bit touchy but that's personal opinion. I'll let my daughter get her ears pierced when she understands what is entailed in the process and that she has to look after them. I can see her not wanting to do it until she's at least 8...

FGM is a whole different ball game altogether; as is circumcision. There is so much religious and cultural background for both BUT that does not mean it is right. not by any means. I've seen so much arguments break out on parenting forums about circumcision in particular and every one fights for what they believe is their right. Personally, i don't think we should have the right to do anything like that unless it is for a medical/health risk reason.

It's one thing that didn't even cross my mind when i had a son but to others, it's a decision that's made long before the baby is born.

off on a tangent there, sorry.

[TriTerr]

I do hate seeing babies with piercings. IMO any sort of body modification is something that the person in question should decide upon and fully consent to. I'd wonder what age would be appropriate, though. 16 seems quite old. II decided on my own at 12 to get my ears done, and I was very capable of making the decision earlier than that if I had wanted to.

[jitterbug]

I got my ears pierced when I was very young and I was glad at did. I don't remember shit. I'd rather have them do it when I'm a baby then do it when I'm 8 years old, that would hurt more.

[Roz]

I got my ears pierced when I was very young and I was glad at did. I don't remember shit. I'd rather have them do it when I'm a baby then do it when I'm 8 years old, that would hurt more.

That's a poor argument imo. You might not remember getting it done at 8 either. In fact I forget the pain level of piercings anyway* since they're such a non-issue in terms of pain, it lasts a split second. I'm just glad I got to consent to my piercings and didn't have a parent deciding for me and giving me misaligned piercings because my ears grew and the piercings ended up wonky. It's not like if you have it done at 8 it's gonna be traumatising and stick with you forever...

*navel was done at 15 and I can't remember, forgot my septum and nose done last year, hell my daith hurt a lot and I've pretty much forgotten exactly what it was like

[Wanderer]

I'd say for earpiercings a limit of age 8 would be decent. At least then kids are starting to understand choices they make and are able to be responsible for things, like aftercare. Although I would also take the child itself into consideration. If they don't act responsible then I personally would wait another year or two.
I am for the ban on guns though. Aware that it will never happen. But it would be great. Whatever happens I would always take a kid to an actual piercer who wont use guns, ever.

[Bluebird22]

I agree it's definitely not right to pierce a baby

[ohyouretiffunny]

I'm curious, do parents take care of the earrings like they're supposed to with the aftercare and stuff? O_O

[cloud 9]

Is this actually a thing...? Must be so painful for the kid >.<

[Boo]

Is this actually a thing...? Must be so painful for the kid >.<

It's rife in the US and UK! Where do you live??