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Study: Most Kids' Lies Aren't a Problem
1 Jun
Summary
- Occasional lying is common and normal for children.
- Frequent or increasing lying may signal aggression.
- Persistent liars have higher risks as young adults.
Occasional lying in children is a common developmental phase and not typically a cause for alarm, a recent study suggests. Researchers tracked over 3,000 children in Quebec from kindergarten to age 19. They analyzed patterns of lying, categorizing them as occasional, frequent, increasing, or decreasing over time.
Most children exhibited low or decreasing levels of lying, indicating normal development. However, the study identified that persistent and increasing lying, particularly when combined with aggression and impulsivity, could signal a need for early support. These specific patterns are associated with a higher risk of developing antisocial personality traits and facing criminal convictions as young adults.
