Kim Kardashian's eldest child, North West, has become the centre of a heated online debate after appearing to debut a series of bold new style choices, including facial piercings and bleached eyebrows. The 12-year-old's latest look, shared on social media, has prompted significant concern and discussion about age-appropriate fashion and parenting in the spotlight.
North West's Controversial New Style
Last week, North took to a joint TikTok account she shares with her mother to post videos with friends. Viewers were quick to spot what appeared to be two small diamond studs in her cheek, a style known as a surface tragus piercing. During a separate weekend outing with Kim, the pre-teen also showcased dramatically bleached blonde eyebrows, completing a striking and mature aesthetic.
The reaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram was swift and divided. Many users expressed alarm at the young star's choices. "Face piercing at 12 is kinda wild," one comment read. Another stated firmly, "I don't care what anyone on here has to say, 12 years old IS too young for all this." Concerns were also raised about the practical risks, with one person noting, "So painful and prone to infection. Wouldn't want a kid to deal with that."
History of Style Scrutiny and Kim's Defence
This is not the first time North's fashion and accessories have drawn public scrutiny. Back in August, she debuted what looked like a dermal piercing on her right middle finger while in Italy. She later clapped back at critics in a TikTok video, overlaying text that read: "This is for everyone that's mad over a finger piercing."
In October, she faced further backlash for wearing fake face tattoos, a nose ring, and grillz in videos with friends. Kim Kardashian later addressed the incident, revealing that North was confused by the negative response. "She was like, 'I don't get it. It's a Halloween costume. It's all fake,'" Kim recounted on Complex's GOAT Talk series. The SKIMS founder described the online trolling as "horrible" and "disturbing," explaining that she monitors all content posted from her phone.
The Parenting Debate in the Public Eye
The situation has ignited a broader conversation about celebrity parenting and the boundaries of self-expression for children. Some critics questioned the ethics of a piercer performing such advanced procedures on a 12-year-old, while others defended North's right to explore her style. "Why do y'all keep acting like you were dressed like North West at 12?" one user challenged.
Kim Kardashian has previously admitted to navigating a learning curve with her daughter's fashion. After facing criticism for a corset North wore in Rome over the summer, Kim confessed on the Call Me Daddy podcast, "Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world." She emphasised her supportive approach, stating, "I would never take that creativity away from her." Kim has also praised North's confidence in the face of online judgement, urging the public to "have grace on single mums trying to figure it all out with a pre-teen."
As the discussion continues, many fans have speculated that the recent cheek piercings might be temporary stickers rather than permanent body modifications. Regardless, the episode highlights the intense scrutiny faced by the children of celebrities and the complex challenges of parenting under the constant gaze of the public and social media.
