Story perspectives

Study Reveals Infants Master Deception Before Age One

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A University of Bristol study led by Professor Elena Hoicka finds that infants can master deception before their first birthday.
About 25% of children understand deception by 10 months, rising to 50% by 17 months.
By age three, children demonstrate more sophisticated deception, such as hiding objects and feigning ignorance.
The study involved over 750 parents across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, providing insights for parents and educators.

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Story summary

A University of Bristol study led by Professor Elena Hoicka finds that infants can master deception before their first birthday.
About 25% of children understand deception by 10 months, rising to 50% by 17 months.
By age three, children demonstrate more sophisticated deception, such as hiding objects and feigning ignorance.
The study involved over 750 parents across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, providing insights for parents and educators.