I think that it should be up to the child whether they want their ears pierced or not. Mine are pierced, twice, but I didn't make that decision until I was around 18. I just never wanted it done until then. It was a lot more painful than I expected, both times my earlobes swoll up huge and I had infections for months after. They still get sore and infected sometimes. I know that's not how it is for everyone, I'm just lucky I guess.