Littlest liars

The researchers asked the parents of more than 750 children aged between birth and 47 months from the UK, US, Australia and Canada a range of questions about their child’s deception development.

Study lead author Elena Hoicka, professor of education at the University of Bristol, says: ‘It was fascinating to uncover how children’s understanding and use of deception evolves from a surprisingly young age and builds in their first years so they become quite adept.

‘Previous research has often focussed on deception as something very sophisticated, requiring strong language skills and an advanced understanding of others’ minds. By considering how deception occurs in animals, including chimpanzees, capuchin monkeys, antelopes, and birds, we were able to document the first much earlier forms of deception in young children.

‘As a mother of three children myself, 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!’ she adds.

By analysing responses, the researchers identified 16 different types of deception. From two years, deception tends to be action-based, or require only basic spoken responses, liked pretending not to hear their parents’ instructions, hiding things from others, or denying they’ve done something they shouldn’t – such as eating chocolate.

Findings showed that by the age of three, children start to understand and engage in more deception types, which often involve a deeper understanding of language and how other people’s minds work. Professor Hoicka says: ‘This could mean exaggerating, such as claiming they ate all their peas when they only ate a quarter, understatement or complete fabrication such as telling a lie like “a ghost ate the chocolate”, as well as pretending not to know, see or understand.

‘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 use distraction, like telling someone to “look over there” when they want to do something they’re not supposed to.’

Professor Hoicka adds: ‘Our study is particularly relevant for parents and educators. Firstly, parents can be reassured deception is entirely normal in toddler development. They can also look at our findings to know which types of deception to expect by age, so they can better understand and communicate with their children to stay one step ahead of their deceit,’