The following Biting Policy Example tailored for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Australia, drawing on best practice from ACECQA, Child Australia, and service-level procedures.
Biting Policy
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 29th September
Review Date: Annually
Applies to: All educators, staff, volunteers, students, and families
Purpose
To respond to biting incidents with empathy, safety, and developmental understanding, while supporting all children involved. This policy ensures alignment with the National Quality Framework (NQF), Child Safe Standards, and trauma-informed practice.
Guiding Principles
- Biting is a common developmental behaviour, especially in toddlers under 3.
- Responses must be emotionally intelligent, non-punitive, and focused on safety and skill-building.
- Educators will work in partnership with families to understand and support each child’s needs.
Understanding Biting
Children may bite due to:
- Teething or sensory exploration
- Frustration or lack of language
- Overstimulation, fatigue, or transitions
- Emotional distress or unmet needs
- Impulse control challenges (common under age 3)
Prevention Strategies
Educators will:
- Observe and document triggers and patterns
- Provide sensory tools (e.g., chewable items, teething rings)
- Use emotion coaching tools (e.g., picture cards, books, songs)
- Maintain predictable routines and calm environments
- Offer language for emotions and conflict resolution
- Ensure adequate space, supervision, and transitions
Responding to Incidents
When biting occurs:
- Immediate safety response: separate children calmly
- Support the bitten child with comfort and care
- Address the biting child with clear, firm language:
“Biting hurts. I can’t let you bite. Let’s find another way.” - Avoid shaming or punitive measures
- Document the incident and notify families of both children
- Offer a private, respectful conversation with families to discuss support strategies
Family Partnership
- Families will be informed promptly and respectfully
- Educators will share observations, strategies, and developmental insights
- Together, the team will co-design support plans if biting persists
- Confidentiality will be maintained at all times
Documentation & Review
- All incidents will be recorded using the service’s Incident Report Form
- Patterns will be reviewed weekly to inform planning
- Policy will be reviewed annually or after repeated incidents
- Feedback from educators and families will guide updates
Supporting Policies
- Behaviour Guidance Policy
- Child Safe & Wellbeing Policy
- Incident Management Procedure
- Inclusion & Equity Policy
- Trauma-Informed Practice Guidelines
Further Reading
Policies And Procedures In Early Childhood Services
Policy Development In Early Childhood Setting
The Children’s Services Award introduces a streamlined classification system and updated pay rates designed to better recognise the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of early childhood
Children need safe and positive environments to learn and grow. To ensure this, services and educators need to ensure effective supervision at all times. The
Floorbook is a documentation approach that uses a large book with blank pages for children to record different aspects of their learning in small groups
In Norway and most other Scandinavian countries, children nap in the outdoors. According, to research outdoor sleeping not only promotes better daytime sleeping, but it
Nature programs in early childhood settings are a fantastic way to connect children with the natural world and promote holistic development. The following article provides
From 2026, every educator covered by the Children’s Services Award will move into a new, simplified classification structure. Instead of navigating 30 different levels, educators
Schemas are patterns of repeated behavior that allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. The following article
The following article lists 30 art and craft descriptions and links to the EYLF. These can be used as a blurb, during observations, used for
Positive phrases play a crucial role in children's growth because they help nurture their emotional, social, and cognitive development. The following article lists 30 positive
From the earliest months of life, babies thrive when given opportunities to experience the outdoors. Nature is not just a backdrop for play—it is a
