Scientists Identify When Children Develop into 'Cunning Little Liars'
Researchers have precisely determined the age at which children transform into what the lead author of a new study describes as "cunning little liars." The investigation, published earlier this month in the journal Cognitive Development, involved surveying parents of over 750 children aged up to 47 months, or nearly four years old, from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Early Recognition of Deception Concepts
Some parents reported that their child first recognized the concept of deception as early as 8 months old. Approximately a quarter of children began to understand deception by 10 months, and half started to grasp it by 16 months. By the time children reach 3 years old, they become more skillful and adept fibbers, according to the findings.
"It was fascinating to uncover how children's understanding and usage of deception evolves from a surprisingly young age and builds in their first years so they become quite adept and cunning 'little liars,'" stated the study's lead author, Elena Hoicka, a professor of education at the University of Bristol, in a press release.
Personal Insights and Common Behaviors
Hoicka, who is a mother of three children herself, added, "I can certainly vouch for how artful and wily they can be. Hiding under the table or in the bathroom to eat sweets or chocolate is their common ploy." This personal anecdote underscores the practical implications of the research for parents and caregivers.
Sixteen Types of Deception Identified
The research team identified 16 distinct types of deception, including denial, exaggeration, and distraction. Hoicka explained that from around two years of age, deception tends to be action-based or require only basic responses. Examples include pretending not to hear a parent say "time to tidy up," hiding objects from others, or engaging in denial—such as eating chocolate but shaking their head to say "no" when asked if they consumed it.
"It could also extend to doing forbidden activities in secret, for example looking in a bag they were told not to look in when no one is apparently watching or making excuses, such as claiming to need the toilet when asked to tidy up," the professor elaborated.
Evolution into Complex Deception
As children grow older, they engage in more complex forms of deception. "This could mean exaggerating, such as saying 'I ate all my peas' when they only ate a quarter, understatement or indeed complete fabrication such as telling a lie like 'a ghost ate the chocolate', as well as pretending not to know, see, or understand," Hoicka noted.
She further added, "They also start to withhold information, for instance accurately telling their parents their sibling hit them, while leaving out the fact that they hit their sibling first. Three-year-olds also start to use distraction, like telling someone to 'Look over there!' when they want to do something they're not supposed to."
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the developmental timeline of deceptive behaviors in young children, highlighting how these skills evolve from simple actions to more sophisticated strategies as cognitive abilities mature.
