Hilary Duff accused of ‘child abuse’ for getting her daughter’s ears pierced

Hilary Duff has been accused of "child abuse" after she revealed that her baby daughter, Banks, has her ears pierced.

The actress shared a photo of herself and seven-month-old Banks Violet on Instagram, with the little girl's ears (and earrings) on show. It didn't take long for people to take to the comments to start debating when it is - or isn't - okay for children to have their ears pierced. One person wrote:

"I can’t fathom why you would you think it’s okay to have your daughters ears pierced. Causing her a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. "And tell me how did it make you feel sitting there and watching her have pain inflicted on her unnecessarily?"

Another said they  "can’t fathom why you would you think it’s okay to have your daughters ears pierced." Meanwhile, someone else said:

"I can't believe someone who seemed so screwed on pierced her babies ears, causing unnecessary pain that isn't for medical reasons done by a fully qualified medical professional is child abuse in my eyes. "The risks are unreal and that throbbing pain in her ears no matter how happy and looked after your child is just isn't justified in my eyes."

And while the Younger actress hasn't responded to the critics, other fans were quick to jump to defend her. One fan pointed out:

"Parents have been doing this for YEARS! It’s not painful and not a big deal so back off! Do what you will with your own child."

Another commented:

"Baby is fine and ear piercing is so far from abuse! But hey, lets promote mom shaming and online bullying from all the keyboard warriors. "Go find something else to do. It does not effect your life, MOVE ON!"