Teenagers and Piercing – Why are Teens Getting Pierced

Piercing has evolved beyond a passing trend. Its enduring popularity among teenagers has made it a significant parenting issue, one that parents of younger children never anticipated facing. Yet, it’s here to stay, and parents of kids of all ages now grapple with decisions about their children piercing various body parts in the name of style and self-expression.

Piercing is more than just a rebellious act. Many teens see it as a cool way to enhance their appearance, and some piercings—depending on the size, location, and style of the stud—can be tasteful and attractive. However, others can appear excessive or unappealing. For many teens, the “edgy” look of certain piercings conveys angst or a “tortured, soulful” vibe, serving as a form of self-expression that resonates with their identity.

Ideally, your teenager will ask for your permission before getting a piercing. If you consent, it’s wise to accompany them to ensure the procedure is done safely and professionally. Parental consent doesn’t mean agreeing to every type of piercing, though. For instance, genital piercings for girls are often linked to sexual pleasure, which could signal broader concerns about sexual activity that warrant discussion.

Risks of Unsupervised Piercings

If your teen comes home with an unexpected piercing, it’s likely they had it done by a friend. Professional piercing shops require age verification, so an unapproved piercing suggests either a fake ID, a shop error, or an amateur job. The latter carries a high risk of infection, especially for sensitive areas like the tongue or nipple. Professional tongue piercings come with strict aftercare instructions—avoiding certain foods, kissing, or smoking for at least two weeks to prevent infection. Nipple piercings are particularly prone to infection due to the breast’s mammary gland ducts, and removing the piercing prematurely can increase this risk. The good news? Most piercing holes will close over time with the stud removed. However, parents should be more concerned about who their teen intends to show an intimate piercing to, rather than the piercing itself.

Piercings and Their Meanings

Piercings on the nose, lips, eyebrows, or ears are often purely aesthetic, done for visual impact. In contrast, piercings of the nipple, clitoris, penis, tongue, or even the belly button (to a lesser extent) often carry a sexual connotation. Notably, penile piercings are rare among teenage boys.

When addressing your teen’s desire to get a piercing, focus on their motivations first. The piercing itself is often a symptom of a deeper desire—whether for self-expression, rebellion, or something else. Understanding their “why” can guide a more productive conversation.

Whether you allow your teenager to get a piercing is your decision. The days when pierced ears (one hole per ear) sparked heated debates are long gone. Alarmingly, 13% of teens with piercings have ones their parents don’t know about—a significant number given the health risks, even with professional piercings. While most piercings are harmless, aside from aesthetic objections, the arguments against them echo those once made against ear piercings. Nose, eyebrow, or belly button piercings are typically just for show and carry little deeper meaning.

Teenagers and piercings will likely remain a point of contention between parents and kids for years to come. The trend’s longevity suggests it’s not going away, and teens denied piercings now may rush to get them as soon as they turn 18.