Lying to children makes them fibbers as well

Experts from NTU in Singapore enlisted the help of 564 children aged 11 to 12 children as well as their parents and conducted a survey into their use of two different types of fib - instrumental lies and white lies. The results revealed that parents used instrumental lies - told for child compliance - more often than white lies - told to instil positive emotions - although those exposed to white lies were more likely to tell tall tales to their parents. Peipei Setoh, lead author of the study, said: "White lies may be motivated by good intentions, but if children realise they have been lied to, this can also lead to lying from the child."

- Similar report in Female First