diff --git a/blocks/library/columns/editor.scss b/blocks/library/columns/editor.scss
index 26b978deffcb4..84b7f93b1ceb2 100644
--- a/blocks/library/columns/editor.scss
+++ b/blocks/library/columns/editor.scss
@@ -9,3 +9,13 @@
 		margin-right: -$block-padding;
 	}
 }
+
+// Prevent the parent block from being hovered, allow only nested blocks
+// Selecting the parent block can be an explicit choice using a separate control
+.editor-block-list__block[data-type="core/columns"] {
+	pointer-events: none;
+
+	> .editor-block-list__block-edit .editor-block-list__block {
+		pointer-events: all;
+	}
+}