A sample of 221 mothers and 48 teachers of pre-school children completed a survey in which they rated the degree of hurtfulness and importance of intervening for relationally or physically aggressive behaviours. Respondents also reacted to two short vignettes depicting aggressive peer conflicts (one physical, one relational) by indicating how an adult should respond and how quickly an adult should intervene. Ratings of hurtfulness and importance of intervening were higher for physical than for relational aggression amongst both mothers and teachers. In addition, there were differences in the type and immediacy of reactions to an act of physical versus relational aggression, with more negative and immediate consequences for the physically aggressive behaviour. Implications of results are discussed, limitations are explained, and professional development and future research needs are identified. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)