Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Go Back                 Case Posted on October 18, 2015 7:38 pm Add to Favorites QuvuLy Reps: 78 Piercings and Gauges Within the past couple of years, there has been an increase in students that have many different facial piercings along with gauges in their ears and other areas of their face. As a teacher, I find this distracting and disturbing. I understand that students are simply trying to express themselves. However, I feel as if this is not appropriate for school purposes. What are some ways I can appropriately present this to an administrator without coming across as being close-minded?                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.                 Solution 1 Posted October 18, 2015 9:19 pm Dan G Reps: 190 As long as the students aren't playing with piercing and gauges and detracting themselves or other students from curriculum their is not much you can do. If students are, then that is a perfect thing you can bring up when presenting your concern to an administrator. Votes: +38 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution SeQeLy Reps: 201 I agree students should be allowed to wear their body jewelry if it is not distracting. However, I do not feel contacting administration would be the next course of action. Rather, I'd discuss it with the class.   Posted on: October 16, 2017 4:50 am Add a Comment                 Solution 2 Posted October 19, 2015 12:15 am Erica Turnbull Reps: 78 I believe if you make a big deal out of this small issue then the students may become rebellious by increasing their facial piercings and increasing their gauge sizes. Instead of making the situation negative try to turn it into a positive learning experience. The students can do research on how piercings can affect their future jobs or how piercings have changed over time. At the end of the day they are trying to express themselves. Votes: +12 / -5 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution PeQyGa Reps: 201 I really like this solution. You are allowing students to see for themselves what may come of these piercings.   Posted on: October 12, 2016 12:34 pm uWuXyj Reps: 232 I like this solution because you can give them reasons why it may not suit the work world, but don't make them think you are trying to kill their s3elf-expression. This can really because students to act out and not want to learn because you did not respect them the way they respect you just because of what they have on their bodies.   Posted on: October 16, 2016 3:59 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 3 Posted February 26, 2016 12:25 am MaXuDe Reps: 200 As long as the students are not causing disruption in the classroom because of their piercings there's not much that can be done. Bringing it up only causes an unnecessary disruption. Votes: +8 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 4 Posted October 18, 2015 9:15 pm VuGuGu Reps: 127 I have run into the same problem at my school. I am a member of the leadership team there. We came together as a team to discuss how this may be distracting to some of the students in our classroom. I would suggest you do as we did, and come up with a written plea to the administrators at your school. Be sure to state the problem, WHY it is a problem, and several solutions. The principal was very pleased that we did not just present him with a problem or complaint, but we also started the process for him by presenting a starting point for solutions. Votes: +7 / -6 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution TyNeby Reps: 207 I don't quite agree with that. Piercings and gauges have been around for quite some time and I don't feel it is a distraction to other students. I feel it may be more of a distraction to the teacher more than anything. But, at the same time I agree that it is self expression and I wouldn't change their right to that.   Posted on: October 19, 2015 12:03 am Erica Turnbull Reps: 78 I completely agree. Unless the piercings become an issue where they are distracting the students and affecting their learning then a member of the administration shall be notified. If not, then let the students express themselves as they want.   Posted on: October 19, 2015 12:17 am PeQyGa Reps: 201 I see where you are coming from, that you are just trying to come up with a fair solution. But this is the student's way of expressing themselves and taking that away could causes even bigger problems to occur.   Posted on: October 12, 2016 12:33 pm uWuXyj Reps: 232 I do not agree with this post. Students should have the right to express themselves without judgement. It is not insulting anyone, and if the teacher has a problem with it you can't do anything about it. In young generations, that is the trend, and it really doesn't effect students, maybe they look more on the first day, but after that it isn't even a big deal.   Posted on: October 16, 2016 3:55 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 5 Posted February 27, 2016 3:45 pm edeBaS Reps: 200 I would allow the students have piercings and all; however, if they start playing around with them in class such as, taking them out and showing other students, then I wwould put a stop to the student playing around and talk to them. I would not stop them for doing what they want to their body. Votes: +4 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 6 Posted October 19, 2015 3:40 am WubuLe Reps: 100 I don't think that you can in this day and age. You may want to think about having the conversation about teaching children to code switch and allowing them a free day on Friday and professional dress during the remainder of the week. The argument that you will be preparing them for the workforce does not go over well because the workforce expectations are changing. Possibly stick to the fact that they are not the essentials of professional dress and you would like to prepare all children to be able to code switch when necessary to promote versatility. Votes: +3 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 7 Posted October 18, 2015 10:58 pm Shelby Milton Reps: 82 In some schools, just explaining to the students that it is distracting to you will make the students realize and they will take them out before your class. However, at other schools, students are not as caring. In that case, you can either talk with someone higher up in the school. My advise would be that if it is not bother the other students from learning, then try to not let it bother you from teaching. Students are kids and they want to be able to express themselves. Votes: +3 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 8 Posted October 18, 2015 11:38 pm yDaNyn Reps: 75 Have you checked with your school handbook? Many schools prohibit the wearing of facial piercings and large gauges worn at school. However, if students are walking around with them freely, I'm guessing they are allowed. Look for research articles that support your stance on piercings in schools. Votes: +3 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 9 Posted October 4, 2016 10:28 pm RyVeta Reps: 106 Let children express themselves and don't say anything! Votes: +2 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 10 Posted February 24, 2016 1:45 am Taylor Katsarelas Reps: 102 I would look into the school dress code and see what the school says about piercings. I would try and talk with members on your team and see if they have any suggestions or what they have been doing in their classrooms with these students. After talking with my team members and seeing what the dress code is then, I would try and see what the administrators have to say on the topic. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 11 Posted February 29, 2016 2:43 am XaSaPe Reps: 200 I hate to say that there is not much you can do. As long as the student is not playing with the jewelry and causing a distraction, they are within their right. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 12 Posted March 9, 2016 11:03 pm aZyLeq Reps: 102 I think that you could try to get it removed but I do not think that the administration will be able to do much. One thing you can try in the classroom is making your class once a week a business attire lesson day. Meaning life skills are taught that day and they have to reflect what it means to look the part. I doubt that would work either as most students unless they are in ROTC, they will not comply willingly. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 13 Posted October 9, 2016 12:46 am uVupuz Reps: 100 I do not think you have the right to tell someone that they cannot have piercings. If you do not like it, then that is your opinion. I do not think that going to administration is a good idea. As long as no one is getting pierced in the class, or playing with them, let it be. There are far more things to worry about in a classroom. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 14 Posted October 10, 2016 12:11 am uVejeg Reps: 205 Facial piercings and gauges are personal preferences for students and their families. Depending on the age, the student has parental permission or has made the choice to modify their body in their own preference. School policy decides whether or not the piercings and gauges are appropriate and students use those policies to make determinations on the body art. I do not see how a piercing or gauges impede on a student's ability to learn or to be taught. While it may distract you and disturb you, I feel it is best to adjust your view instead of trying to prevent freedom of expression by the students. If you do not think this is possible then your best course of action would be to talk with administration about why you feel it impedes the ability to be an effective teacher and for your students to learn. School is for learning and preparing students for the work force. There are many careers that allow for body piercings and gauges so is would not be appropriate to try to stop students from finding their true identity by telling them it is going to prevent them from finding a job one day as others have mentioned. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 15 Posted October 12, 2016 5:20 pm yZytaz Reps: 201 If there are no real issues with students playing with their piercings or disruptive other students then there is not much you can do but if these issues occur it would be a great time to tell administration about how they are not only disruptive to you but to the class. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 16 Posted October 9, 2016 1:28 pm uzyXuV Reps: 208 You would need to refer to the school conduct book. If it is not prohibited then the students can have them. Votes: +1 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 17 Posted October 7, 2016 6:42 pm ybaHyp Reps: 200 As a teacher, you could do a lesson on work-appropriate fashion and discuss with the students what would be appropriate to wear to a job interview or a day on the job. The students with facial piercings might not take them out right away but at least they will have the knowledge that their piercings may not be accepted in their future workplace. Votes: +1 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 18 Posted October 3, 2016 8:25 pm PumuMu Reps: 203 No to this Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 19 Posted October 10, 2016 1:48 am MePyJy Reps: 205 This really both comes down to the dress code and the administrations feelings on the subject matter. If the dress code says they can were it within reason then they are allowed to wear them if they are make a scene with them. if this truly is the cases ask your higher ups how the feel about this issues and voice your current concern and see if they have suggestions, would prefer you to just leave it there or even think of a solution for a happy medium Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 20 Posted October 10, 2016 3:20 am eZeLeR Reps: 39 Even as someone who has their ears gauged I see your concern. I wear plugs that are solid and it is rarely noticed or an issue. I think students should be able to express themselves without judgement but I have many friends and family members who do not like to see the large hole in my ears. Therefore the happy medium is to suggest natural/ solid plugs. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 21 Posted October 16, 2016 9:11 pm ytupyQ Reps: 208 Yes I think that if they body modifications are not interfering with their learning or anyone else's learning then it needs to be ignored. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 22 Posted February 21, 2017 6:54 pm ytupyQ Reps: 208 If it is not hurting themselves or anyone else then I do not feel it is a problem. It is a healthy way for students to express themselves and the holes will just close up when the student gets over their little phase. Just ignore it and promote individuality. Everything is going to be okay! Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 23 Posted February 21, 2017 10:05 pm uJuPyS Reps: 202 If the body modifications are not interfering with their learning or anyone else's learning then it needs to be ignored. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 24 Posted February 21, 2017 10:22 pm Robert Hendler Reps: 203 Honestly, if it is not in your school policy I do not see how to bring it up to administration without having some issues. Students are just expressing themselves and if they are not causing danger or harm to others then there is not much we can do about it. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 25 Posted October 3, 2017 11:34 pm yneLaH Reps: 202 I think it would be in your best interest not to present this to the administrator. These students require parent permission to receive these piercings, or are adults and make the decision to get them. It is your business what the students learn, not how they look. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 26 Posted October 13, 2017 3:23 am Xaparu Reps: 201 I think you should just tell them how you feel. They will either agree or disagree with you but I don't see this becoming a problem because they are not harming anyone around them. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 27 Posted October 15, 2017 7:40 pm yheGeS Reps: 200 i wouldn't say this is an issue. If there is nothing in place for this already then this isn't something that is distracting. If they're playing with their piercings then simply ask them to stop. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 28 Posted October 11, 2019 10:21 pm BuDuRe Reps: 102 This is a difficult situation as you wouldn't want to potentially insult the students in any way for presenting themselves in a way they want to that is not directly harming others. I would not directly address this to the students however, I might talk to the principal or any other school staff concerns and maybe possibly implementing new rules. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 29 Posted October 13, 2019 8:44 pm eguQep Reps: 203 If the piercings are not bothering any students or interrupting instruction, then the students are well within their right to wear them. When the piercings become a problem in the classroom, then they can be addressed. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 30 Posted July 4, 2021 7:41 am LyVaDe Reps: 101 I do not believe that students with piercings and gauges should be viewed any differently than the other students. I feel like there should be a limit like with dress code. Perhaps only so may piercing are allowed and gauge sizes so can only be so large. I personally don't see an issue with any of it as long as the students are paying attention in class and aren't causing any kind of issue. They should be allowed to express themselves within reason. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 31 Posted February 22, 2016 3:05 pm zyWute Reps: 201 I feel you can voice your concerns, and maybe suggest that it be added to the dress code of the school. Although I understand your concern, if this is a public school the students are most likely allowed to wear these. Votes: +0 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 32 Posted February 26, 2016 9:42 pm taMaSe Reps: 201 I think if there is a meeting where you are allowed to provide input, then I would try to propose a rule about limiting or hiding piercings and gauges while students are on campus. Maybe get some other teachers' inputs on the subject as well. Be careful not to overstep any boundaries or say anything inappropriately. I think that they can be distracting, some companies do not want their employees to have certain piercing or gauges when they work for them. Votes: +0 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 33 Posted October 8, 2016 4:16 am yHaReH Reps: 209 Following school policy is the way to go. Have a conversation with students who you might feel are being distracted by their piercings. Be open and honest and thorough when explaining any issues you might be seeing in the classroom to school administration and work together to find the best solution for the problem seen faced in the school. Votes: +0 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 34 Posted October 8, 2016 5:06 pm yZaHuM Reps: 100 While I personally think facial piercing is gross, I don't believe it is as much of a distraction as many think. Sure for the first few days students will stare, but, it will eventually become boring and normal thus no longer a distraction. However, if the student is always getting new and weird piercings, then I believe it should be brought up to the administrator. Votes: +0 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 35 Posted February 24, 2016 9:28 pm anuhag Reps: 201 I think that you should present it just how you feel. I think that it should be a part of the dress code in the school system because it can be distracting to the instructors and to the students. You should state that you understand the students trying to express themselves, but some things are not appropriate for school. Votes: +0 / -4 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.