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science6h ago
Little liars: babies younger than one practise deceit, study suggests
- Latest finding: some babies show deceit-like behavior before turning one, with about a quarter of 10‑month‑olds hiding, feigning not to hear, or eating forbidden foods.
- By age three, children increasingly fabricate and exaggerate, showing more sophisticated deception tied to language and understanding others' minds.
- Experts say early deceit reflects normal toddler development, not necessarily moral wrongdoing.
- Lead author Elena Hoicka emphasizes that early deception is not sudden but builds across the first years.
- Researchers gathered data from 750 parents about children 0 to 47 months old across four countries.
- The study draws on animal behavior research to contextualize deception across species.
- The journal Cognitive Development published the findings.
- Commentary from professor Jennifer Saul notes philosophers have long debated morality of deception, with this study broadening the focus.
- Educators and parents are encouraged to view early deception as a development milestone rather than misconduct.
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