Is It Okay to Lie to Children?

[DISCLAIMER]

*Zootopia 2 spoilers contained herein.

Photo credit, property of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, fair use

As I enjoyed the animated buddy cop comedy film Zootopia (2016) when it was first released, I recently watched Zootopia 2 (2025). Unlike the 2016 movie that I watched without much critical thought, I paid closer attention to one scene in particular regarding the 2025 film.

To provide a relatively brief synopsis, consider that animal detectives Judy Hopps (rabbit) and Nick Wilde (fox) go undercover to crack a case when they find themselves on an adventurous trail of Gary De’Snake (snake). A central message of the film occurs thus at the end of the film:

Wilde: There’s a lot of different animals out there. And, and sometimes, we start to look at all the little reasons that we’re not the same. And it makes us worry. But maybe if we just talk to each other, if we just try to understand one another, we would see that our differences don’t really make any difference at all. Maybe we’d even see that what makes me, me and you, you can make us even stronger.

This is a classic diversity-is-a-strength argument (also referred to as ‘diversity is our strength’). To provide a charitable representation of this argument that I consider to be irrational (not in accordance with both logic and reason), one source with which I disagree states:

Diversity leads to innovation. Simply put, each one of us—due to how our minds are wired, our experiences, and our worldview—has a particular lens through which we see and analyze situations and others around us.

Infantile beliefs about diversity representing strength defy logic (the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable) and reason (a statement offered in explanation or justification). Evidence in support of my claim is thusly captured by one source:

It has become increasingly popular to speak of racial and ethnic diversity as a civic strength. From multicultural festivals to pronouncements from political leaders, the message is the same: our differences make us stronger.

But a massive new study, based on detailed interviews of nearly 30,000 people across America, has concluded just the opposite. Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam—famous for “Bowling Alone,” his 2000 book on declining civic engagement—has found that the greater the diversity in a community, the fewer people vote and the less they volunteer, the less they give to charity and work on community projects.

In the most diverse communities, neighbors trust one another about half as much as they do in the most homogenous settings. The study, the largest ever on civic engagement in America, found that virtually all measures of civic health are lower in more diverse settings.

Not to belabor the point expressed by that last cited source, I posit that I’ve dedicated an entire blog category to addressing the irrationality of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility. If you’d like to learn more about illogical and unreasonable beliefs, I invite you to peruse my blog.

Regarding Zootopia 2, I found it humorous that Gary De’Snake, a tritagonist (character taking the part of third importance in a presentation), reminded me of a childhood myth (traditional story explaining the worldview of a group in explanation of a belief). It’s a common story.

In specific, regarding my upbringing under dogmatic teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Churches of Christ, I was taught that Lucifer was embodied as a serpent (thought to be a snake) for lying (making untrue statements with intent to deceive). Of this matter, one source states:

The grand story does not begin with the deceitful snake in Genesis 3. It begins with God’s creating the heavens and the earth in Genesis 1–2. The story begins with pure goodness. All is right with the world—until the crafty villain enters the scene.

In English, crafty means cunning or deceitful. But crafty in Genesis 3:1 translates a Hebrew word that is neutral on its own. It can be positive (e.g., Prov. 12:16—prudent as opposed to foolish) or negative (e.g., Job 5:12; 15:5). Here the word is initially ambiguous.

But when you reread this story in light of the whole story, crafty is an excellent translation. The serpent is the craftiest wild animal. His first strategy is not to devour but to deceive.

While I don’t intend on claiming that Gary De’Snake is deliberately used to represent deceit (the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid), I found it funny that Zootopia 2 presented an irrational claim about diversity equating to strength by use of a snake.

Given this subjective view, I then considered the moral and ethical matter about lying to children. Related to this topic, I stated in a blogpost entitled Doing Right or Wrong, as They See It:

That which is “right” is defined as being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper. “Wrong” is an injurious, unfair, or unjust act: action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause.

As well, “good” is defined as being of a favorable character or tendency, as “righteous” is defined as morally right or justifiable. Alternatively, “bad” is defined as failing to reach an acceptable standard, as “evil” is defined as morally or ethically reprehensible.

A moral is a person’s standard of behavior or belief concerning what is and isn’t acceptable for the individual and other people. As such, morals generally relate to what’s considered good, bad, right, wrong, or otherwise acceptable or unacceptable.

An ethic is a set of moral principles, especially those relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct. Whereas morals relate to what is thought of as pleasing or displeasing behaviors and beliefs, ethics – based on morals – are the social rules by which we pledge to live.

Is it okay to lie to children? Here, I’m not asking if people lie to kids. Rather, I’m inquiring about the moral and ethical considerations involved with lying to children. Regarding the prevalence of deceitfulness by parents toward their offspring, I invite you to consider that one source states:

The practice of lying to one’s children to encourage behavioral compliance was investigated among parents in the U.S. (N = 114) and China (N = 85). The vast majority of parents (84% in the U.S. and 98% in China) reported having lied to their children for this purpose.

As the current month is December, I suspect that many parents in the United States (U.S.) will lie to their children who are merely ignorant (lacking knowledge, education, or awareness). Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I recognize how lying of this sort serves as a tool.

Lyrics of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” use demandingness narratives by stating, “You better watch out! You better not cry! You better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town!” For behavior modification, is it okay to lie to children about Santa Claus?

Suppose you condone lying of this sort. How may your behavior influence a child’s foundational worldview? Regarding this matter, one source opines:

Lying to preserve childhood traditions like Santa have not been proven to cause kids’ harm. That means parents can continue the fun of make-believe with their children as long as it seems enjoyable for everyone involved. The only catch is that fictional characters shouldn’t be relied on as a threat for bad behavior.

Noteworthy, I stated in a blog entry entitled Challenging Disappointment, “Science neither proves nor disproves ideas. Rather, it accepts or rejects data based on supporting or refuting evidence and revises conclusions based on additional evidence.”

Given this consideration, determination of what’s considered true, untrue, real, or unreal is an ongoing and rigorous process of examination. All the same, it’s generally accepted that in 2025, Santa Claus isn’t a currently living being. This matter of deceit aside, the source continues:

Lying about uncomfortable topics can be a missed opportunity for parent-child bonding and for teaching kids to regulate their emotions. In the short term, it might be a relief to avoid a real conversation about a tough topic but, in the long term, the negative effects are real.

Avoiding truthful conversations can erode a child’s trust. It can also prevent them from learning how to healthily deal with their own feelings. Kids whose parents frequently lie to them are more likely to lie to their parents later in life.

Is it okay to lie to children, given that in so doing you’re teaching kids that lying is acceptable? I argue not. This is my stance even when lies are communicated using anthropomorphic (described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes) animated animals in Zootopia 2.

Teaching a figuratively true diversity-is-a-strength lesson with a rabbit (Judy Hopps) that would be eaten by a fox (Nick Wilde) or snake (Gary De’Snake) in a literally true scenario of reality is the sort of behavior illustrated by a serpent in the Garden of Eden. It’s deceitful.

Rather than ideal-world versus real-world lies, why not teach kids of truth about reality? Diversity doesn’t represent strength in the animal kingdom—of which humans, rabbits, foxes, and snakes are a part. Is it okay to lie to children? I argue not. Yet, you’re welcome to disagree.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Disney Wiki, The. (n.d.). Gary De’Snake. Fandom. Retrieved from https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Gary_De%27Snake

Disney Wiki, The. (n.d.). Judy Hopps. Fandom. Retrieved from https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Judy_Hopps

Disney Wiki, The. (n.d.). Nick Wilde. Fandom. Retrieved from https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Wilde

Heyman, G. D., Hsu, A. S., Fu, G., and Lee, K. (2012, November 22). Instrumental lying by parents in the U.S. and China. International Journal of Psychology. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8063349/

Hollings, D. (2024, November 24). Automatic thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/automatic-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2025, November 16). Better know how to act. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/better-know-how-to-act

Hollings, D. (2025, October 19). Better watch your tone. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/better-watch-your-tone

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Blog – Categories: DEIA. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/blog/categories/deia

Hollings, D. (2024, November 10). Catharsis. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/catharsis

Hollings, D. (2024, September 15). Challenging disappointment. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/challenging-disappointment

Hollings, D. (2024, November 23). Concern vs. worry. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/concern-vs-worry

Hollings, D. (2023, March 12). Controlling the flow of harm. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/controlling-the-flow-of-harm

Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation

Hollings, D. (2024, November 4). Critical thinking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/critical-thinking

Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2025, August 19). Doing right or wrong, as they see it. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/doing-right-or-wrong-as-they-see-it

Hollings, D. (2025, March 9). Factual and counterfactual beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/factual-and-counterfactual-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2025, June 9). “Feeling better” doesn’t help you understand or change behaviors. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-doesn-t-help-you-understand-or-change-behaviors

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2025, November 13). From the South: You better run. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/from-the-south-you-better-run

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2025, September 22). Hey you! You’re losing your mind! Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hey-you-you-re-losing-your-mind

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2024, April 27). Ideal-world vs. real-world. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ideal-world-vs-real-world

Hollings, D. (2025, January 26). Ignorance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ignorance

Hollings, D. (2025, October 4). Ignorance about the Americans. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ignorance-about-the-americas

Hollings, D. (2025, March 4). Justification. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/justification

Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Lived experience. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/lived-experience

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics

Hollings, D. (2024, July 7). Non-dogmatic preferences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/non-dogmatic-preferences

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2025, May 3). Predictability of logic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/predictability-of-logic

Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles

Hollings, D. (2025, May 11). Proper education. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/proper-education

Hollings, D. (2023, February 4). Provocation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/provocation

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, December 5). Reasoning. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reasoning

Hollings, D. (2024, March 14). REBT and emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rebt-and-emotions

Hollings, D. (2024, January 20). Reliability vs. validity. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reliability-vs-validity

Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous

Hollings, D. (2025, January 2). The distinction between law and justice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-distinction-between-law-and-justice

Hollings, D. (2024, February 6). This ride inevitably ends. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/this-ride-inevitably-ends

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2025, July 3). Trust the process. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/trust-the-process

Hollings, D. (2025, April 12). What’s the big idea? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/what-s-the-big-idea

Hollings, D. (2023, October 20). When diversity isn’t a strength. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/when-diversity-isn-t-a-strength

Hollings, D. (2023, October 10). When others don’t share your worldview. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/when-others-don-t-share-your-worldview

Jonas, M. (2007). The downside of diversity. Harvard University. Retrieved from https://www.wcfia.harvard.edu/publications/downside-diversity

Kanya, M. J. (2022, November 4). Lying to your child: Is it ever OK? Children’s Mercy. Retrieved from https://www.childrensmercy.org/parent-ish/2022/11/lying/#:~:text=Avoiding%20truthful%20conversations%20can%20erode,their%20parents%20later%20in%20life.

Naselli, A. (2025, April 4). The deceitful snake in Genesis 3. Christ Over All. Retrieved from https://christoverall.com/article/concise/the-deceitful-snake-in-genesis-3/

PapaBidz. (n.d.). Zootopia 2 (2025) [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1084242-zootopia-2/images/posters?language=en-US

Reid, D. C. (2022, September 27). Why diversity is really our greatest strength. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/coaching-corner/202209/why-diversity-is-really-our-greatest-strength

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Bowling Alone. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_Alone

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Churches of Christ. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_Christ

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Garden of Eden. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_of_Eden

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Jehovah’s Witnesses. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Lucifer. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucifer

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Robert D. Putnam. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_D._Putnam

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Santa Claus. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus_Is_Comin%27_to_Town

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Zootopia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zootopia

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Zootopia 2. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zootopia_2