UQ researcher John Pickering suggests such concerns may be warranted, with international research showing that early sibling aggression, when not dealt with, can lead to ongoing learning, social and mental health problems.

“Parents find conflict between their children a great source of distress and are often unsure whether to get involved or remain on the sidelines,’’ Mr Pickering says.

“The research shows that the outcomes for children subjected to sibling aggression are as adverse as outcomes for children who have to deal with aggression from their peers; it’s an area that definitely needs more work”.

"Very few evidence-based programs here or overseas focus on siblings or sibling conflict,’’ he adds.

The reported study findings are part of a wider, ongoing study that is a world-first trial of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program in managing sibling conflict.

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Parents in Brisbane, Australia, who want help to manage their children’s fighting, aggression, anger or hostility towards each other can participate in the trial by doing the Triple P parenting program free of charge. The trial is seeking parents of more than one child 3-10 years old, with no more than four years’ age difference between children.

“This trial will be an opportunity to merge what we know about the importance of parental involvement in sibling relations with more than 35 years of research into Triple P,” says John Pickering.

To register for the trial visit: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/siblings/