Social Story About Biting (Free & Printable)

Biting is common in toddlers and in some autistic children. It can be a sensory need (the jaw wants pressure), a sign of teething, or a fast way to express frustration before words are available. Whatever the reason, it is distressing for everyone involved.

This social story explains that teeth are for food, that biting hurts, and that there are safe things to chew. It pairs well with offering a chew necklace or crunchy snack when the child needs oral input.

Want this story with your child’s name? Use the free personalizer below or open the full social story generator.

Teeth Are for Food

My name is Noah. I have teeth in my mouth.
1
My teeth help me chew food like apples, crackers and carrots.
2
Sometimes I feel upset, excited or tired. Sometimes my mouth wants to bite.
3
Biting people hurts them. It can leave a mark and make them cry.
4
When I want to bite, I can stop and close my mouth.
5
I can chew on my chew toy or eat a crunchy snack instead.
6
I can say, “I need space,” or “I am upset.”
7
I can tell a grown-up how I feel. They can help me feel calm.
8
When I keep my teeth for food, everyone stays safe. I can do it!
9

Why this social story helps

If biting meets a sensory need, punishment alone rarely works because the need is still there. The story redirects the need to an acceptable outlet (a chew toy or crunchy food) while still teaching that biting people hurts. It also gives two short phrases that the child can use when words are hard.

How to use this social story

Print the story (two pages per sheet works well) or show it on a tablet.
Read it together once a day during a calm time, for at least a few days before the situation.
Read it again just before the situation happens, and keep a copy nearby as a reminder.
Swap the name and details for your child, or add real photos, so it matches their world.

What makes this a good social story

This story follows the social story approach described by Carol Gray. It is written from the child’s point of view, uses short and literal sentences, and spends most of its words describing the situation and how people feel. Only a few sentences gently suggest what to do, and they use “I can” instead of “I must”. The story names a difficult feeling as normal and ends on an encouraging note, so the child links the situation with calm and confidence rather than with being told off.

Tips for parents and teachers

Keep a chew necklace or chewy tube within easy reach and include it in the story pictures.
Offer crunchy or chewy snacks at times when biting tends to happen.
Watch for early signs (clenched jaw, grinding teeth) and prompt the chew toy before a bite.
Respond calmly to biting incidents and focus attention on the child who was hurt.
Talk with an occupational therapist if biting seems strongly sensory-driven.

Questions to talk about after reading

What are teeth for?
How does it feel for someone who gets bitten?
What can you chew instead?
What words can you use when you are upset?

Personalize this story

Add your child’s name and age and we will rewrite the story just for them. It’s free.