Question

My child has been biting their nails for about a year, but only at school and I don’t know when it started. They have never received treatment and I’m looking for a solution.

Answer

Biting nails and nail biting are common bad habits in children, often related to psychological tension and emotional instability. When children feel anxious or stressed, they may use nail biting as a way to relieve pressure, and over time, this behavior becomes a habit. Prolonged nail biting can lead to finger injuries or infections. Treatment for this condition usually involves behavioral therapy, such as aversion therapy and habit correction training. The goal of these methods is to make children aware of the dangers of nail biting, cultivate and develop healthier behaviors, and enhance self-control abilities.