I think it’s a good way to show-don’t-tell. You could add a few more of these interactions to develop the plot point and make sure readers don’t miss it the first time around (e.g. if the reader doesn’t know what a nipple piercing is, or doesn’t associate it with teen rebellion).
Yes. It’s too bad they’re trying to cram four (planned) seasons into one, because the story pacing, character development and dialogue are clearly suffering because of it. I’m still having a lot of fun watching it though :)