Biting as a Behavior Problem

Topic Overview

It is normal for infants and young children to occasionally bite. But sometimes biting points to a more serious behavioral problem related to hostility and aggression. A child should be evaluated by a doctor if biting:

• Is frequent and continues despite caregiver efforts to control it.
• Occurs after 3 years of age.
• Occurs in a variety of settings.
• Injures other people.
• Occurs out of general anger and/or aggression rather than out of frustration or desire for an object.
• Occurs with other aggressive behaviors, such as hurting animals.