Welsh Government
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Plans for a minimum age of consent for cosmetic piercing

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths is seeking views on how cosmetic piercing can be made safer for young people. The Welsh Government is proposing to introduce an age of consent to ensure a parent or guardian’s permission is granted before a person below the age of 16 can receive a cosmetic piercing. The consultation meets a key action in the recently-published Programme for Government.

Currently, local authorities in Wales can require cosmetic piercers to register their businesses and to follow rules relating to cleanliness and hygiene. There is, however, no age restriction for cosmetic piercing. A young person can, therefore, have a cosmetic piercing without their parent or guardian’s permission as long as they understand what they are having done and the risks involved.

Ms Griffiths said,

“Although cosmetic piercing is generally considered to be reversible, problems are relatively common. Some young people may develop infections or complications because they conceal the cosmetic piercing and any subsequent infection from their parents or guardians. I therefore think it is important to consider if the age at which young people can have a cosmetic piercing without the permission of their parent or guardian should be restricted. I see the proposals as an effort to protect young people.”

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, added,

“There are a number of problems that can arise following a cosmetic piercing including skin infections, tearing of the skin and swelling. Serious complications, although rare, arise primarily where unclean or non-sterile equipment is used, where unhygienic premises or practices are maintained and/or where aftercare is lacking.”

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Cosmetic piercing of young people
 
 

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