No, firesetting is not a normal phase for a child. If the firesetting behavior is not dealt with immediately, the behavior will escalate into criminal behavior. All intervention and counseling is kept confidential. Parents of juvenile firesetters often hesitate to seek help for their child. The ramifications of a child accused of setting fires can be devastating.
Parents fear alienation form their family, friends, and the community.
In addition, repeated firesetting is a cry for help, parents fear they would be forced to reveal underlying family problems. Punishment may force the child to hide while playing with fire. It is important to educate the child on the hazards of firesetting rather than punish them.