9 Oct 2012

I received an interesting question from a piercer who wanted to know my opinion on piercing the tongues of minors:

  • I was writing today with a question regarding tongue piercings. I was always under the assumption that the minimum age requirement is 18. I understood it to be a sexual piercing. Lately in my area some piercers have been piercing childrens tounges as young as 14. Is the age limit a law or just a guideline? I feel it is a highly inappropriate piercing for a minor and i myself refuse to do them on anyone younger than 18. Could you please shed some light on this subject? Thank you so much for your time.

You must do whatever feels comfortable for you within the bounds of local laws. I don't know where you're located, so I would encourage you to determine what laws on piercing of minors exist in your region, if any.

My opinion is that the tongue is not only a sexual organ. It is in a public location commonly visible during ordinary activities, and it is used for speech and eating as well as more adult purposes.

I think you're "projecting" your personal opinion about tongue piercings. For my perspective, I do not consider the tongue piercing to be an inherently sexual piercing. Nipples and genitals are clearly erogenous zones, but other areas of the body are less universally so. MANY people simply think tongue piercings "look cool" or "seem like fun" without bringing a more adult attitude to the event.

The tongue piercing heals quickly (unlike the navel, which is also popular with younger people!) and doesn't leave much of a visible mark if abandoned later (unlike like the navel, again).
Elayne Angel and her 5 tongue piercings
I would never suggest you do something against your ethics, but could encourage you to rethink tongue piercings as having broader application than exclusively as a erotic placement.


This is from my book, The Piercing Bible:

If asked whether tongue piercing is erotic, many piercees would proclaim an emphatic “Yes!” but an equal number would earnestly respond, “Absolutely not.” None of these people would be insincere; they simply differ in their perspectives. A tongue piercing is what you make of it. For some, it is merely an ornament; for others, it is a useful sensual device. The wearing of tongue jewelry will not magically transform you into an oral Casanova, but it will provide you with an additional tool, should you desire to use it.

Marketplace

Aftercare Spray

Thumbnail
Buy Now

Get The Book

Thumbnail
Buy Now

Snap Plugs

Thumbnail
Buy Now

Piercing Videos

Thumbnail
Buy Now