New online campaign sparks major debate between parents

An online petition, which has amassed  over 25,000 signatures, is appealing to the UK's Minister for Children to ban ear piercing for babies.

The campaign which is aimed at MP Edward Timmons request that he implement a minimum legal age requirement on the grounds that the procedure could be considered a form of child cruelty.

Those supporting the ban have deemed the practise unnecessary and insist: "It serves no purpose other than to satisfy the parent's vanity."

Susan Ingram, the woman responsible for launching the petition, explained her stance, saying: "Severe pain and fear is inflicted upon infants unnecessarily. Other forms of physically harming children are illegal - this should be no different."

Despite boasting 26,300 signatures, the online campaign has divided opinion, with many parents justifying their decision to pierce their child's ear and many others supporting their own parent's decision to have their own ears pierced at a young age.

What are your thoughts on the matter?