Body Modification In Teens: Body Piercings

A typical conversation with your teenager daughter may be, “Mom, I really, really, really want a belly button piercing”. But what do you need to know before you consider letting her have a belly button piercing? Body piercing is a type of body modification. A body modification is the intentional changing of the human body for religious, cosmetic, or social reasons. There are many different ways that teenagers can modify their bodies such as tattooing, piercing, scarification, and indoor tanning. Many teenagers see body modification as a form of decoration, as a fashion statement, and as a means of self-expression. So, let’s take a closer look at what you should know about piercings:
What do I need to know before letting my child get a piercing?
Ultimately, the decision to allow your child to have a piercing is up to you and your child. Encourage your child to consider if she will still want the piercing in 10 years. If you decide to go ahead with the piercing, follow the above advice to make it a safe experience. I will be discussing body modification at Girls Elevated, a fun, informative event designed to make the journey through adolescence easier for moms and daughters. It will be on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, 6615 Main Street, 4th Floor Conference Education Center, Houston, Texas. For more information about the event, please visit here or register online here. Have a question? Please call Ann Tims at 832.826.7464.