Threat of being on Santa’s naughty list really DOES make children behave, scientists reveal
TELLING children they'll end up on Santa's naughty list actually does improve behaviour, according to an international study.
If you've ever doubted the power of Father Christmas before then researchers from the University of Exeter have proof to make you believe.
The study involved a survey taken by 4,200 people from around the world.
It found that fears of the naughty list had improved the behaviour of a third of the children mentioned in the study.
The survey also revealed that the average age that a child finds out the truth about Santa is eight-years-old in most of the UK and the US.
However, children in Scotland are said to make the same discovery a bit later at around eight years and six months.
Only 1.5% of children are said to believe above the age of 13.
Psychologist Dr Chris Boyle, who runs the survey said: “Around 40% of respondents had used the idea of Santa or elves or little helpers to get their children to behave throughout the year.
"Just under half of parents said they continued telling their child about Father Christmas because they wanted to keep their own childhood memories alive.”
The survey also found that kids who leave secondary school with no qualifications were more likely to have believed in Santa for longer.
In comparison, those who went on to get a doctorate were more likely to stop believing before the age of eight.
Dr Boyle also used his survey to highlight that the reality of Father Christmas leaves people questioning their trust in adults.
A third of people questioned said they felt "stupid" when they discovered the truth and 40% think lying to children about Santa does affect trust.
Dr Boyle said: "I’ve received highly personal testimony from people around the globe, and it’s fascinating to see how vividly they still remember when they learned the reality about Father Christmas.
"For some this did affect their trust in adults, and caused sadness which has lessened the joy they took in celebrating Christmas.”
Other statistics from the survey revealed that fathers were less likely to tell their children the truth about Santa than mothers.
Around 76% of people said that parents should allow their children to believe in Father Christmas, while 7% said they shouldn't.
One respondent said: “I was callously told by our next door neighbour.
"It was brutal. I still remember the heartbreak I felt when my mum confirmed it.”
The international survey is ongoing and you can take part at .
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