I had my first set of piercings at age 10. Both got infected as I did not take care of them. My second set at age 14, I never wear earrings in them though. Belly button at 17, just a scar now.
We had my daughter's ears done at six months, they never got infected as I kept them clean for her. Getting babies ears pierced are quite expensive as you must buy real gold with srcewback backings made for babies/toddlers. She is four now and loves them.
We did not have my son's ears done. My husband does not like earrings for men. Like farouk said this is a personal preference thing.
Yes, in some families it's customary for sons to have theirs done, too. Especially if mom and a sister have doubles, for example. Sometimes sons are taken for theirs around the time that daughters would be taken to do navel, like you mention.
If dh had left it up to you, would you have maybe let your son do his ears, as well?
Blessings.