Here's why your child cheats and what it reveals 🧠

Play, a favorable ground for small acts of cheating, sometimes raises concerns. When a child cheats, adults wonder: is it a trivial behavior or the start of a more serious problem? But what do developmental specialists have to say?

Cheating, although worrying for some, is common and even universal among young children. A striking example: researchers have found that almost all five-year-olds, left alone with instructions not to peek into a box, take a forbidden look. This behavior reveals much more than a simple misstep.


Cheating involves complex skills, such as putting oneself in someone else's shoes or imagining what they might think. These abilities emerge in early childhood and refine over the years. In this sense, early acts of cheating signify a milestone in children's cognitive development.

At school, cheating evolves. While young children cheat playfully, teenagers adopt more sophisticated methods: copying from the internet, sharing answers, or bending collaborative rules. An American study reveals that 75% of high school students admit to cheating at least once in a year. But their motivations vary: some aim to help a peer, others to avoid bad grades.

The role of temptation is key. Children are more likely to cheat if the stakes are high, such as in a game with a big prize on the line. Additionally, academic and social pressures reinforce this behavior, whereas the risk of being caught can deter some.

Gender differences and social context add another dimension. A study showed that boys cheat more often than girls in dice games. However, girls are more motivated by the fear of losing, while boys are equally driven by the prospects of gains and avoiding losses.

How can adults reduce cheating? Encouraging open conversations is one approach. Explaining why cheating harms everyone, rather than focusing solely on punishment, has proven effective. Reducing performance-related pressure is also crucial for preventing deviant behaviors.

Setting an example is equally important. Studies show that honest adults positively influence children. For instance, refraining from lying, even as a joke, can prevent undesirable behaviors in younger individuals.