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Teenager refusing to follow school rules on make-up and piercings

334 replies

IcarusFallingDown · 08/06/2026 22:07

Any suggestions (if any) for a rebellious teenager who doesn’t care about school rules?

My DD is 16, very well behaved in other areas (doesn’t drink, vape, go out late). Generally respectful at home apart from some teenage strops.

She has a real disregard for school rules. They aren’t allowed to wear makeup or false eye lashes at school, today she was asked to remove both, and told the teacher she won’t be doing so, neither now or in the future. We’ve also had a conversation at home and she’s repeated the same to me. I’m getting daily emails from school about makeup and eye lashes, I email the school saying I will discuss this with her, but I am not sure what else I am able to do?

She’s now decided she’s getting a lip piercing, which is against school policy, but again says the same and that she doesn’t care what the school says or does. I’ve told her I do not sanction this and she’s making life incredibly difficult, it will likely result in detentions from the school and emails home, but she just says she isn’t bothered and wants to express her individuality.

Has anybody been through this with their teenager? My eldest is a boy and was fastidious about school rules so I haven’t experienced this before, I’m sure it is common.

OP posts:
IcarusFallingDown · 08/06/2026 22:15

She saves up money from Christmas and her birthdays. She’s also had some body issues in the past and problems with her self-esteem and appearance, saying she is ugly etc, which the makeup and lashes she’s says help to boost her confidence.

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 08/06/2026 22:14

Presumably leaving after GCSEs?

most schools don’t really care at exam time and a lot of sixth forms have no uniform.

FairyBatman · 08/06/2026 22:14

I would tell her that if she gets a lip piercing and doesn’t start following the makeup rules you’ll be cutting off all allowance and maybe her phone.

SpudGunToo · 08/06/2026 22:13

How is she getting money for these things?

Hellometime · 08/06/2026 22:13

She’s 16 so leaving a a few weeks after GCSEs? If she opts for college not school sixth form there shouldn’t be the same rules.

Besidemyselfwithworry · 08/06/2026 22:13

Going her room and physically remove ALL make up and fake lashes and make sure she has no access to any money until she behaves herself!!!
if she has no makeup/lashes/money for piercings or anything else - my guess is she will soon comply!

MrsKeats · 08/06/2026 22:13

Why are you buying the false lashes etc?

IcarusFallingDown · 08/06/2026 22:11

saveforthat · 08/06/2026 22:10

Can you legally get a piercing at 16? Take the make up away from her.

Yes unfortunately you can.

OP posts:
saveforthat · 08/06/2026 22:10

Can you legally get a piercing at 16? Take the make up away from her.

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