Is your teen begging for permission to get her cartilage pierced? Maybe she is citing that all of her friends have one of these piercings. Or, maybe she wants to use the piercing as a form of self-expression. If you are hesitant to let your teen pierce any part of her body other than her earlobes, you are not alone in your concern. You may be worried about how a cartilage piercing will affect her employment or education opportunities. Or you may be concerned about the risk of infection. These are definitely valid concerns. In recent history, piercings were frowned upon by the majority of adults, and methods used to pierce body parts other than earlobes were questionable, but various types of piercings outside of earlobes have been a part of cultural practices dating back to Ancient Egypt. 
Changing Attitudes
These days, however, tattoos and piercings are becoming more and more popular, and cultural significance is being acknowledged. As recently as ten years ago, body modifications were viewed much more negatively than they are now. A greater number of young people are getting tattoos and piercings, and modifications are gaining acceptance as a form of self-expression. Reputable piercing studios are common, using sterile, safe, disposable tools.Regardless of the wider acceptance of piercings like those in the upper-ear, and the improvement of sterile piercing practices, there is cause for concern when considering whether or not to let your teen get a cartilage piercing. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that instead of just saying
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind