'Why do people lie?' Exploring Reasons for Telling Lies and Lying

Why tell lies? People tell lies for many different reasons. Can you think of some reasons why people might tell lies?

This resource forms part of our collection on lies, fibs and lying. All of these resources have been designed to support children with understanding what lying is and why it is important to be honest.

How could this resource be used?

To support children to understand why people, including themselves, might tell lies.
To explore the difference between telling lies for either positive or negative reasons.
To support children to understand what a lie is, the consequences of lying and being honest.
To support a child 1:1.

Relevant Curriculum Links

England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:

KS1: H13. how feelings can affect people’s bodies and how they behave.
KS1: R22. about how to treat themselves and others with respect; how to be polite and courteous.
KS1: L1. about what rules are, why they are needed, and why different rules are needed for different situations.
KS2: R15. strategies for recognising and managing peer influence and a desire for peer approval in friendships; to recognise the effect of online actions on others.
KS2: R30. that personal behaviour can affect other people; to recognise and model respectful behaviour online.
KS2: R31. to recognise the importance of self-respect and how this can affect their thoughts and feelings about themselves; that everyone, including them, should expect to be treated politely and with respect by others (including when online and/or anonymous) in school and in wider society; strategies to improve or support courteous, respectful relationships.
KS2: L1. to recognise reasons for rules and laws; consequences of not adhering to rules and laws.

Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):

I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
As I explore the rights to which I and others are entitled, I am able to exercise these rights appropriately and accept the responsibilities that go with them. I show respect for the rights of others. HWB 0-09a / HWB 1-09a / HWB 2-09a / HWB 3-09a / HWB 4-09a.