If your teenage son or daughter wanted to get a piercing or a tattoo, would you allow them to? Why or why not?

Question

GoodManDave · Accepted Answer

Piercings, it depends where, and how big. An earring is a little different from shoving a bottle cap in the hole and ending up with a huge hole in the ear.

A belly button piercing is a bit different if you’re trying to show it off.

And 19 and getting a tattoo is different from 15 and getting one. I have a friend whose mom died recently, so she has a few small tats on her ankle that represent her mom… and she did it as an adult.

Getting a small cross tattoo is different from getting “satan doing something graphic and vulgar” tattoo. Getting a “f**k the cops” tattoo is slightly different from getting a “tramp stamp,” which is different from getting a Psy or Macklemore tat, which is different from getting a tattoo of Grandma’s dates of birth and death. And my answer would change in small part based on age, level of responsibility, meaning of the tat, longevity, and where it’s going to be.

Overall, I don’t have issues with small or subtle tats if done in a safe environment with people who know what they are doing and who sterilize stuff properly and have the skill - if my “kid” has saved up for it, done the research, etc. If it’s not too dated, and not likely to suddenly become offensive (or if it is already), then as long as they understand the risks, I’d be more likely to defend their choice or support them vs doing it on a whim at a dangerous, seedy place and getting something vulgar written all over their forehead.

I don’t have an issue with an ear piercing done by a pro as much as I do with a friend who tries it with a hot paperclip, or when it’s done by some girl at Claire’s at the mall.

Cubus · Accepted Answer

I'm not a fan, so I would not agree until he/she is 18.

OrallyFixated · Accepted Answer

I’m not opposed to tattoos. All I ask is you give you a great amount of consideration and make sure you love it. My oldest has always wanted a tattoo, and did give it the consideration it’s worthy of. They ended up commissioning a tattoo artist to create a one-of-a-kind tattoo. It was costly, but are very happy with their choice. My other kids know that, if you’re going do something permanent, pay the price and do it right. I’m more of a “don’t put a bummer sticker on a Bentley” kind of person, but I believe that to be a personal choice.
Piercings need to start with the ears. I didn’t do it when they were younger, so once we get there, then we’ll worry about other piercings. I don’t mind a nose piercing, or a lip now that I think about it, but would strongly discourage plenty of face or ear piercings.
Stretched holes are just nasty.

Apple1996 · Accepted Answer

I'm fine with piercings but tattoos are a little too permanent so I'd only allow it if it was small and hidden

NathanDavis · Answer

before I ever decide to allow it or not...

I would make sure to talk about it with them, and the fact that I have piercings myself, it is guaranteed that they would know about piercings and tattoos from a very young age, the older they get the more they would know about and it also my reasons, or the reasons of others on why or why not they have tattoos or piercings

I am sure that by the time they're 16 or 18, we would have had discussed these things a few times and I would be aware about the true reasons of their interests and their view on piercings and tattoos, there would be no way that this would just happen one day from morning to night...

if their reason to get a piercing or a tattoo was a very very good and strong reason to want to do it, then yes, I would want them to be able to do that (considering the age to be "old enough" maybe 16) but this would imply that they have become VERY mature teens for their age and that their choice of piercing or tattoo is also one that is "apt" and not just any stupid or grotesque thing

most of tattoos and a lot of piercings, I would never "approve" them for a teen... there would be probably less than 5% of things that they could do and I would approve lmao, so, ideally... they will wait till they are 18 and adults by themselves, or till age 22... if I can get away it and they still won't want to do things without my approval

so, it all goes down to what they would actually want to do... and then, if I would be on board with it, or not... lol

Losalt · Answer

For a teenager I wouldn't object to ear piercings.
But I'd need quite some convincing for any other piercings, although I don't think I'd completely rule it out for a teenager.
For a tween or younger any body modification is a hard no as far as I'm concerned.
Once they're above 18 I'd of course have no say in the matter, but I'd *advice* them to wait with tattoos til their metabolism calms down to the adult level instead of being extremely high as it is in younger people.
Things are likely to shift a bit...
Once they're familiar with their adult bodies of course, get one if that's what they want.

DollAlone · Answer

14 and below I would tell them to wait. 15 and above I'd allow piercings IF they kept up their grades, because if they aren't responsible enough to finish school work and maintain an average grade point average then they are not mature enough for things like piercings. And as far as tattoos, I believe they should wait until they are at least 18 because tattoos are permanent and life long so they should understand that things we like now won't necessarily be something we like years to come, especially if its a persons name of someone that they are infatuated with. They all believe that they will always like the things they enjoy now so waiting to get anything tattooed until they are more mature to understand that point.

PJH359 · Answer

I have three very beautiful and educated daughters. Two of them are over 18 and can obviously do what they want. I, their father, am covered with tattoos and no piercings. As they grew up I consistently praised their beautiful skin and asked that they not cover it with tattoos. At the same time, I told them that I regret a few of them and to please consult me for a reputable world renowned artist if that’s what they really wanted to do. I don’t have a problem with hair color, piercings or choices in clothing or bathing suits. So far they have done nothing as far as piercings or tattoos are concerned…nor have they expressed interest. I have a 15 year old however who I know is gonna be the death of me. Not only do I suspect she will get more than one tattoo, but I doubt she will honor my request to consult me first. I guess if she’s gonna rebel at 17 or 18 just as I did, there’s nothing I can do about it. Except pray that she’ll do something tasteful.

wheist9095 · Answer

It depends on their age, 16 or 17 no tattoos. Piercings, sure within reason. Like don't get four piercings in each eyebrow and gauges in your ears and a septum ring and dermal implants etc etc, that is a lot of social representation at a very young age and I could see it being problematic with conservative workplaces or college professors. Some people are just dicks like that. When they're 18 they can do whatever the fuck they want with their own money

DizzyDesii · Answer

The girls can get their ears pierced at any age but it will be the basic ear lobe piercing... no upper ear cartilage and all of that. The guys ears will not be pierced while he's living with me. Neither will be allowed a tattoo while living with me

heatherlou · Answer

After 18 - they can do what they like.
Before 18 no tattoos... I waited until after 18 before I got my first one. They can wait too.
Piercings I'd probably be a bit more lenient on. They can be removed easily. So yeah. I think I'd be okay with them.

TransAm85 · Answer

I got my ears pierced when I was like, 8. Tattoos, my mom wouldn't let me get any until I turned 18. My best friend got one our junior yr in high school, a butterfly on her back, so that's what made me ask my mom. She said not until I'm an "adult" and I have to pay for it myself.

MaKa_newbie · Answer

If they are over 16, yes. I got my first two ear piercings at 2 yo (it was tradition), then I got two more on my ears at 13 and my first tattoo at 16. So basically I would be a hypocrite. But, I would allow them when they are over 16. Piercings can be removed and tattoo at 16 is okay for me (if they REALLY want it)

Sour-rose · Answer

I'd think not. I don't know why but to have a piercing is a challenge but not many can handle it. Aaand there goes money wasted because it itched too much and now it's fked up. Tattoos... at their age? Hell no, they need to get a job if they want a tattoo. I ain't payin' for that. I might be presumptious but a tattoo for a child can only lead to trouble. Trouble i don't settle for and will kill it if need to.

WagyuMoo · Answer

I would let them. So we can get it done by a supervised professional. There are countless stories of parents refusing and kids doing it themselves behind their parents back that usually follows with an infection or visit to the hospital.

wingattebaby16 · Answer

tbh, i have a monroe in my upper lip. I have a tattoo that was done very poorly. I hate both of them as i get older.

I would tell my kid to wait until they are 18yo and can pay for it themselves.

and rushing into Fads like this is something i regret.

midnightmoon05 · Answer

Regular ear holes another set okay. Other body parts…really don’t encourage.
tattos… she doesn’t like.
my son…he is way too preppy to wanting any of that stuff.
he is a basic kid and have his own clothes picked out since he was 5-6 years old.

Bratsondanielle · Answer

I would allow pretty much any piercing. Piercings can just be removed if you are tired of them. Tattoos I'd say at least 16 or so. I'd probably encourage them to really really consider it. Ears nose bellybutton are just totally fine. Tongue I'd be a little cautious ⚠️. You can bust a tooth real easy.

Finchie40 · Answer

Yes, for the most part as long as it’s something that isn’t going to prevent them from landing a good job and something they can cover up , piercings I don’t consider a big deal because they can heal if they change their minds later down the road, I would definitely give them my opinion on it and try to guide them to make the right choice but i wouldn’t prevent it

Kabluie · Answer

YES. I've always been good with expression. Plus piercings close up rather quickly in early periods if you decide to not keep them in. It can be an hour at most to close the tongue if you don't keep the barbell in early days if you had buyer's remorse. When I was in middle school they were all the rage, along with tramp stamps. Nowadays it's septum piercings and ear gauge kings.

sheikalana · Answer

I would not because they're still minors. I'm okay with them doing whatever they want as soon as they turn 18 and are independent. If my kids come up with this idea of making a tattoo or a piercing in their teenage years I would want them to think and re-think if that's really going to be beneficial for them since it's going to be permanent. They still have a few years to think about it until they turn 18.

Anonymous · Answer

I would allow my child to get piercings maybe not lower back piercings, eyebrow piercings, tongue piercings, but I am okay with my child having their ears pierced and their belly pierced but belly piercing would be on the condition they have to wait to after they turn 13. As for tattoos, I would have them wait until they are 18 or older as tattoos are permanent and I wouldn't want my child to regret the decision.

monkeynutts · Answer

As long as they have a good reason for getting it, and that's not a tattoo in a highly visible place, I would like to know the meaning symbolism behind the design, piercing is more to do with safety of the studio, and I would like to be their when it happens.

Dazed0N0Confused · Answer

Depending on where, I would be okay with it. Definitely NO face tattoos though! And absolutely NO names of significant others or dates regarding them either! Tattoos hurt, tattoo removal is worse.

Elliegirl · Answer

I would be okay with piercings, depending on what they are. Like, I got my bellybutton pierced when I was a teenager. I would say no about tattoos.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

As for me if I had a teenage son or daughter & they wanted a piercing or tattoo I would let them get it however it would be on their dime & not mine so if they really want it they would have to pay for it.

Kaneki05 · Answer

Would be hypocritical to say no as a person who wanted them too.

AndrésC64 · Answer

Well, depending on their age, I may not have much say in the matter. But if they still follow my directions, I guess I have to know exactly what they want. I have a number of tattoos and piercings.

ethanallen · Answer

I don't get it. It isn't attractive. I once had sex with a hot woman but when she undressed, I saw she had her nippled pierced with studs. It took away all the fun out of sucking her tits.

Jennz6 · Answer

Eat piercing for girls is okay. Anything else say no.

Tyme1313 · Answer

Sure, my mother let me get a tattoo on my lower abs when I was 14. I would have no problem taking my son to get a tattoo too, same for a piercing.

petitedollbabee · Answer

Tattoo, no. They can wait until they’re a legal adult to get one, it’s a big commitment and it’s permanent. Piercing, yes. Piercings aren’t permanent, they heal.

Miristheiss · Answer

Earlobe. Yes. Anywhere else... no. No tattoos. I hate them and I won't let them make such drastic changes to their bodies while young.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Piercing yes… I’d get out my dewalt and 1/8 bit. Tattoo no

exitseven · Answer

I let my daughter get her ears pierced. My son wanted to get a tattoo when he was in high school and I would not let him. I think he is glad now that he did not get it.

Anonymous · Answer

I'd definitely allow normal ear piercings. I'd probably let them get one whenever they wanted, I think it's about the same as necklaces or bracelets. Though I know infection might be a concern, so I'd think about that. For the crazier piercings, probably not. And almost definitely not with tattoos.

Th3ft · Answer

Of course! Depending on what they wanted and why they wanted it.

BlueScorpio · Answer

Piercing? Yes, but the ears only. Tattoo? No, if they want a tattoo they can get that when they turn 19/20 and with their own money.

Dinklex3 · Answer

Piercing, yes. Tattoo, no. Tattoos are permanent. I wouldn't want them making a decision like that as a teen.

DrewJohnson · Answer

I'm totally on board with a belly button piercing. Especially with crop tops in style. Anything more than that might need some discussion. Tattoos are permanent so that's a wait till your 18/21 thing.

Mark987 · Answer

I have don't have kids, but in my opinion it all depends on their age. Gauge piercings I wouldn't allow. and facial either. Belly button if I had a daughter I would probably allow as a lot of women have them.

Kylal412 · Answer

Yes depending the actual age, what the tattoo is, and where they are wanting it.

dustybiker · Answer

If they still want it as an adult then they knew they really wanted it.

Sarahshahy · Answer

I would talk about cons and suggest him/her search about the topic before. Even though I become the mother, I don’t have any right to intervene someone’s life and choices..

Rania05 · Answer

Only ear piercings out of all this can be be allowed

melanieeeB · Answer

Nope, they can wait until they're adults and then go and do what they want

Marshymallow · Answer

Depends on the location and how many piercing and tattoos they want.

Valso · Answer

For as long as it's not on the nose to look like cattle, yes, I would. Tattoos are fine too but only if they're not too many. 3-4 tats on the body - that's ok.

Agape93 · Answer

Sure. I don't much care, do what you want. Every body is a temple and all temples have art

bobthe1st · Answer

Piercing go away tattoos dont easily, piercing yes tattoos create some designs and think about it for a few years

Anonymous · Answer

I would not allow them to get a tattoo because they cheapen a person and everyone I've known who got one as a teenager has gone on to regret it. I don't feel quite as strongly about piercings, but they do cheapen a person as well.

bolverk · Answer

As long as they are minors the answer would be a solid NO, after they turn 18 or what is age of adulthood is in your country them its up to them.

maximumpower · Answer

He's of age and can do what he wants. He shouldn't expect me to pay for it, nor do I want to hear anything about it. He will also need to cover any medical bills that may arise from it.

SmokinAces2000 · Answer

For the tattoo I would let them only if they were mature and doing what they were supposed to be doing and for the piercing it’s the same unless it’s an ear piercing

Guardian45 · Answer

You're asking someone who did get a piercing, so I wouldn't be the one to stop them. Only if they tried to do something stupid like tattoo or put like multiple piercings all over their face.

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

Piercing? Yes, but just for ears, brow (s) and, nose. They’d have to pay for everything else. Tattoo? They’d have to pay for it.

Surely · Answer

Only if they were old enough to get one by themselves and pay for it. I personally don’t believe in them.

Googlemyahoo · Answer

Normal ear piercing sure. Anywhere else no.

Trilinium · Answer

Absofruitly not. Don't need a permanent drawing on yourself with "as a memory" for an excuse

Havthrills · Answer

Yes. Of course they can be themselves and express it.

Anonymous · Answer

Ears only. Not letting them be persuaded by other teens and social media to damage their bodies before they are adults.

Fryday_Knight · Answer

I just need to know what, where and when. Some tattoos are straight up trash.

pizzalovershouse · Answer

No cuz one minute they want one thing next minute they change mind again

GreatnessBack · Answer

I'd say nah, until their 18. It's not long after that.

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