Kiddie liars will grow up to be successful citizens

Researchers have carried out the study and found that the earlier a child starts telling convincing lies the more likely they are to be a success in later life. In fact, the ability to tell fibs at the age of two is a sign of a fast-developing brain and such kids are likely to become successful people.

The study found that the more plausible the lie, the more quick-witted they will be in later years and the better their ability to think on their feet. It also means that they have developed “executive function” — the ability to invent a convincing lie by keeping the truth at the back of their mind. “Parents should not be alarmed if their child tells a fib. Almost all children lie. Those who have better cognitive development lie better because they can cover up their tracks. They may make bankers in later life,” lead researcher Kang Lee of Toronto University said.

Lying involves multiple brain processes, such as integrating sources of information and manipulating the data to their advantage. And, it’s linked to development of brain regions that allow “executive functioning” and use higher order thinking and reasoning, say the researchers.

Dr Lee and his team tested 1,200 children aged two to 16 years. A majority of them told lies but it is the children with better cognitive abilities who can tell the best lies.At the age of two, 20 per cent of children will lie. This rises to 50 per cent by three and almost 90 per cent at four. The most deceitful age was 12, when almost every child tells lies.