Body piercing has become more and more popular among teens and young adults.

What It Is

Pierced ears have been common for many years. But now, no part of the body seems to be off limits for rings, studs, and bars. Navels, tongues, eyebrows, and nostrils have become popular places for piercings.

Piercing has been around for a long time. It has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies and is common in some cultures around the world. For many of today's American youth, piercings are fashion statements. Like tattoos, daring clothing, and extreme hair styles, piercing may be a badge of identity.¹

Adults may worry that piercing is unsafe, or just plain wrong. They may view it as a sign of delinquency and rejection of traditional values. While this may be true for some teens, others see body piercing as a form of self-expression.

So, which is it? Is body piercing a passing phase—part of a personal declaration of independence? Or, does it signal an urge to push social limits and to take risks? The answer is different for each teen. Risk-taking can be a growth experience; the key is to take the right kind of risk. This means taking part in activities that build ability, awareness, and character.

What To Say

If a young person wants a piercing or comes home with one, ask why he wants it and how it fits into his self-image and social life. Discussion will be more useful than anger or immediate rejection. You may learn something by listening to your teen’s views on the subject and you may get a chance to share your own thoughts.

What To Know

Learn about piercing, including the proper procedures, risks (there's that word again), and safety issues.² Having the facts will help you provide guidance and make it tougher for a child to dismiss your concerns. If a child gets a body piercing, remember, the industry is not well-regulated. However, there are professional standards for which some piercers are certified.

What To Do

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