Sound familiar? You watch your child at play or in front of the TV and suddenly notice they’re nervously nibbling their little nails. It’s a very common childhood habit. Why do children start biting their nails, what causes it, and—most importantly—how can you help them stop?
1. Why do children start biting their nails?
Nail-biting (onychophagia) is a fairly common childhood habit that often appears already in preschoolers, but it usually peaks between ages 7 and 10. Estimates from child psychologists suggest that up to 50% of all children bite their nails at some point. For some, it’s a one-off or short-term behavior; for others, it grows into a long-term problem.
It’s commonly believed that nail-biting is linked to nervousness and stress. Children use it to compensate for stressful situations. In young children, a frequent trigger is boredom or a mindless automatic habit while watching TV. In older children, the habit is more often a response to stress and anxiety.
Parents lead by example. If they themselves tend to bite their nails or have other bad habits that show up as nervous behavior, children naturally copy these patterns. In families where stress or panic is more present, children are also more prone to adopting similar habits.
2. Is nail-biting dangerous for children?
Repeated biting can cause painful hangnails, irritation, and bleeding around the nail beds, and sometimes even infections and inflammation of the fingers. In extreme cases, nail-biting can lead to deformities and changes in nail growth.
Bacteria and viruses accumulate under the nails. By biting, a child can introduce dirt into the mouth, which may lead to infections, stomach aches, or cold sores around the mouth.
If the nail-biting seems too intense, it can be a sign of a deeper psychological issue, such as heightened anxiety or problems at school or within their peer group. In such cases, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
3. How to help a child stop biting their nails
Ask your child about their feelings—find out whether something is bothering them, if they have any worries or difficulties. When children feel heard, they’re more likely to name the stressor that triggers their nail-biting, and you’ll be able to address it more directly.
There is a range of specialized products designed to help children stop biting their nails—most commonly bitter nail polishes. For some kids, the unpleasant taste of the product alone is enough to put them off. It’s important, however, to view this only as a supporting tool.
One of the most successful approaches is positive reinforcement. Instead of scolding and forbidding, small rewards and encouragement work far better. For example, you can agree that if your child goes a week without biting, you’ll visit the zoo or the cinema together, or play their favorite game.
This method works well in a playful way, for instance by creating a chart where you add stickers for each successful day.
Kids’ hands need to be busy. When your child feels the urge to bite their nails, offer an alternative so they can channel their stress and restlessness in another way. For example, give them a soft squeeze ball or anti-stress toys.
Many children bite their nails—you’re not alone in this.