Health Information
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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 21, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
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