 While body piercing has grown more widespread , it can remain controversial , particularly in youth . Some countries impose age of consent laws requiring parental permission for minors to receive body piercings . Scotland requires parental consent for youths below 16 , while in 2011 Wales began considering a similar law . In addition to imposing parental consent requirements , Western Australia prohibits piercing private areas of minors , including genitals and nipples , on penalty of fine and imprisonment for the piercer . Many states in the US also require parental consent to pierce minors , with some also requiring the physical presence of the parents during the act . The state of Idaho has imposed a minimum age for body piercing at 14 . 
