Robyn - YES! And not even just boys but girls as well go through that stage...some longer than others and more intense than others...
My boys haven't bitten or been too violent but definitely smacking - and Ethan does it a bit at the moment...best thing to do is to encourage them to be gentle - I stroke his face and his hair and arms and say gentle and encourage lots of cuddles and kisses. Also be really consistent with it - no hitting, be gentle or whatever you decide to say...stay calm but firm when you do it as well as you don't want him to get such a reaction from you that it makes it fun for him to be told off iykwim??

Hope that helps a bit...xo

Oh and also pay more attention to the person that's been hurt than him...if a big fuss is made at him for being naughty it's more enticing...pay all the attention to the person he's hurt and then remove him and tell him off...