The first time parents catch their child telling a lie, it can be unsettling. Why would a young child be dishonest? Does this mean they will grow up to be untrustworthy adults? According to Kang Lee, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, children lying is actually a positive sign of normal development.
Lee has spent 30 years studying lying in children, leading to significant advancements in various fields. His research has influenced the treatment of child witnesses in legal cases, changed the way behavioral issues in children are diagnosed and managed, and even resulted in the development of technology used to monitor health via smartphones.
Originally inspired by a book from 1928, Lee’s research has debunked common misconceptions about children lying. Contrary to popular belief, children as young as two years old are capable of lying and do so as part of their cognitive development. Lying requires self-control and an understanding of another person’s intentions, indicating higher cognitive abilities in children who lie earlier.
One surprising finding was that children knowing lying is wrong does not prevent them from lying. This discovery led to significant changes in how child witnesses are treated in legal proceedings, emphasizing the power of a promise to tell the truth rather than a competency examination.
Lee’s work has also shed light on children with behavioral issues who lie frequently. Rather than a lack of moral understanding, these children struggle with emotional control, requiring interventions focused on inhibiting negative behaviors rather than moral teachings.
In addition to his research on childhood lying, Lee has developed a revolutionary lie detection technology called transdermal optical imaging. Originally designed for security purposes, the technology can now assess various health metrics by analyzing facial images, benefiting millions of users worldwide.
Lee’s current projects include expanding the technology to measure mental health indicators and researching academic cheating among children. His work continues to push boundaries and challenge assumptions about childhood development, demonstrating the importance of understanding children’s lies as a normal part of healthy growth.
