For many young individuals, getting their first piercing is a momentous occasion, often with parents giving in to their children’s requests for earrings.
However, not many would consent to their child having a metal bar placed through their fingers.
On a TikTok account shared with her mother Kim Kardashian, 12-year-old North West showcased her new body modification to their 19 million followers, displaying a reddened middle finger post-piercing.
North revealed her new piece of jewelry in three social media posts, which quickly drew criticism from concerned followers. Many were bewildered as to why North was permitted to have a dermal piercing.
Unlike a typical earring, a dermal piercing involves a small surgical procedure where a flat-bottomed anchor is inserted beneath the skin to hold a piece of jewelry. North’s TikTok posts suggest she underwent multiple dermal piercings during the procedure.
North’s right-hand middle finger displayed the process involved in getting a dermal piercing. The post depicted a long metal needle used to create space for the jewelry, adorned with silver gems on either side.
Another image shared by North showed a dermal piercing on her henna-tattooed left hand, featuring a large blue gem protruding from her middle finger.
Kim did not appear in the TikTok clips, nor did Kanye West (Ye), who reportedly hasn’t seen the children in several months.
The SKIMS founder mentioned during a podcast appearance: “It’s not easy. But, I mean, I raise the kids, you know, full-time. They live with me.
“I think just their job as their mom is just to make sure that they stick to their routine and they’re healthy and happy,” she continued in the interview.
The dermal implant posts sparked swift criticism across social media, with many questioning Kim’s decision to allow North to get such significant piercings at just 12 years old.
One concerned commenter remarked: “My parents would have never allowed something like this, which is why I stupidly went behind their back and did it.
“I’m not a parent, but I just couldn’t imagine giving my 12 year-old permission to have dermal and surface piercings like this.”
North’s new piercings followed a recent controversy where she showcased her Halloween outfit plans, prompting many to question why she was dressed in such mature attire, complete with fake face tattoos and a septum piercing.
Nevertheless, this reaction seemed to have little influence on North’s styling choices, and she expressed gratitude to her mom for allowing her to get the dermal piercings.
Concerns were also raised about the health risks associated with dermal piercings. A Reddit user commented: “One of three things is going to happen. 1. Her body will reject it. 2. She will get a massive infection because she is 12 and very likely does not wash her hands as often as she should.
“3. It will get ripped out again she is 12 and is going to behave like a child.”
Adults with experience in dermal piercings were surprised by the choice to allow a middle schooler such a significant body modification. One commenter noted: “Besides from the fact she is only 12 years old, I’ve had dermals myself as an adult.
“They are prone to rejecting and I’m assuming that as she’s still growing she’s going to be prone to it rejecting even more. So dumb all round.”
Another critic expressed: “Why are they letting 12 year olds look 25? Kim and [Kanye] need to be better parents and North needs to be reminded she’s a little girl, not a grown adult.”