Should 16-year-old people be allowed to get a tattoo or ear or body piercing?

I am 51 years old, and I think 16 is too young to make decisions like this. I know JuliaCouture has answered this post and I respect her decisions--I am sure she is very mature and aware, but I am more of a mind that 18 or even 21 is a better age.

Call me old-fashioned--or just plain old.

I think that when your 16 years old, your a little more decisive as to what you want. Im 16 years old myself and I already have my lip pirced on the side, my tongue and a tattoo on my arm.

Although I might not look and act 16, its my body and the choices I make will affect me and not my parents.

If thats something your child really wants then you should talk about it to her him/her and know why she wants it. If you say no, good chances it will be done behind your back because all piercing shops allow 16 year olds to get those without parents permission.