Hechinger Report: Biting, kicking, wandering the classroom: Teachers say there’s a rise in misbehavior even among the littlest kids

Teachers across the country report a troubling uptick in disruptive behavior among kindergarten and early elementary students, including biting, kicking, and classroom wandering. The surge has left educators scrambling to manage classrooms while maintaining focus on academics.

Kindergarten teacher Cristina Lignore, who teaches in New York City, found relief through a behavior coach sent from the Child Mind Institute. The coach worked directly with her class to develop strategies for managing difficult behaviors. Lignore's positive experience reflects a growing recognition that schools need specialized support to address what teachers describe as unprecedented behavioral challenges in young children.

The spike in misbehavior among the littlest students has multiple suspected causes. Pandemic-related disruptions to early childhood development, increased screen time, reduced peer interaction during lockdowns, and gaps in social-emotional learning all play potential roles. Many children missed critical preschool years when they would have developed foundational social skills and classroom routines.

Schools are responding with various interventions. Bringing in behavior coaches like those from the Child Mind Institute helps teachers learn practical techniques for de-escalation, positive reinforcement, and classroom management tailored to young children's developmental stages. Some districts are also expanding mental health support, hiring additional paraprofessionals, and implementing social-emotional learning programs.

For parents, this trend underscores the importance of supporting teachers and recognizing that behavior challenges in young children often signal developmental, emotional, or sensory needs rather than simple defiance. Working with schools to identify triggers, maintaining consistent routines at home, and seeking professional evaluation when concerns persist can help children succeed.

Teachers emphasize that addressing these behaviors early prevents cascading problems in later grades. Children who learn to manage their behavior, regulate emotions, and respect classroom expectations in kindergarten build foundations for academic success and healthier peer relationships throughout their school years.