That's why we call the kids SLK, because they are not mature. Sorry, babies don't get born out of the womb automatically knowing right from wrong or knowing how to socialize. What about the kid at disney that throws a tantrum, do we keep them locked up until they can handle disappointment? Heck, how many teenagers make stupid, bone headed mistakes in the heat of emotion and they supposedly are old enough to know better? What do you suggest that we keep all the kids at home? Children learn, some very quickly, some very slowly.
I sure the poor kid was punished but I think locking up all the 5 year olds in the world because their not well behaved, emotionally stable, mini adults is a bit drastic
The kid at Disney throwing a tantrum isn't causing bruises and bite marks on another child. Teenagers generally have to deal with the consequences of their mistakes. If not, if they truly hurt someone, there are big ramifications. Learning about consequences early is very important.
Look, I'm lucky I haven't had one of mine bite someone or strike another child. But, one of mine did get bit (the first child, so of course I overreacted - if it was the other three I probably wouldn't have been quite so upset), and nothing at all happened to the other child. He went happily along, and bit a few more before he was told to stay home until he could handle the social situation (they were two years old). That was the right thing to do...it helped him deal with his frustrations - and his parents dealt with them rather than have some innocent other kids bear the brunt of his frustrations, and he also didn't get scolded so much.
You know if it happens once, fine, deal with it and watch that child carefully. If he does it twice, then that's it. Give him/her three or six months to gain a little maturity. As for school-aged children (kindergarten on up), there should be a zero-tolerance policy. In our school, the principal's daughter hit another kid and she was suspended. I imagine biting would have been held with the same regard. Why are people so afraid to discipline?