‘Smart’ kids lie

Children start by 3½

PSYCHOLOGISTS have found children learn to tell lies by the time they are 3½ and it is all part of progression in their cognitive development.

One of the skills needed to be a fibber is “theory of mind” — the ability to realise that not everyone knows what they know.

The child must also have cognitive control which means they do not blurt out the truth.

Researchers at the University of California discovered that not all children grasped these skills at the same time but most understood the concept of deception soon before they hit four.

Brisbane clinical psychologist Judith Locke says that parents of small children should not worry when they bent the truth.

“Children who display the ability to pre-empt situations and try to avoid getting in trouble are showing signs of intelligence,” Dr Locke said. “They are learning to read what society expects of them.

“Sometimes parents worry that it is an indication they are going to be trouble, but it should only be an issue if the child is older and is continually manipulating the truth. We have to remember that adults lie, too, it is part of life.

“Children are always testing the ground and if parents are particularly punitive then the children will be more inclined to find an escape route.”

The researchers found that once a child mastered the ability to deceive they had to learn how to battle the confusing thoughts of morality.

Katherine Pacey, from the Gold Coast, says her daughter Isabelle has clued into telling fibs since she turned four.

“I don’t think she was aware when she was three. She knows we don’t like lies in our home and we talk about that a lot but I understand it is a part of learning,” Ms Pacey said.