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 child may favor one friend’s version of a story, ignore facts that challenge their view, or assume something is true just because it’s popular. These are cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that feel right but lead us wrong. Unlike distortions, which often arise from emotion, biases are patterns of judgment built into how we process information. They shape how kids form opinions, make decisions, and interpret the world. Left unchecked, biases can limit learning, fuel conflict, and keep kids stuck in narrow thinking. Teaching them to spot bias doesn’t make them cynical—it helps them think more clearly and with greater fairness.

One morning, my daughter argued that her favorite YouTuber was “definitely right” about a science topic, even though the facts didn’t add up. I asked why she believed it so strongly. “Because he’s always smart,” she said. We paused and talked through that assumption—it was the halo effect, a common bias where one good trait makes us overlook other flaws. I pulled up a different source with clearer information, and she noticed the difference. The next time she heard a bold claim, she paused to ask, “Who else says this?” That one moment nudged her from automatic agreement to thoughtful evaluation.

Biases don’t disappear—but they can be managed. Help your child spot common ones: confirmation bias (favoring evidence that agrees), bandwagon effect (believing something because others do), or anchoring (relying too much on first impressions). Use real-world examples from ads, stories, or school debates. Ask questions like, “Are we giving this idea a fair look?” or “What would someone else say?” For younger kids, use playful comparisons—what if their favorite character were wrong? For teens, discuss media sources or social trends. Learning to catch bias in action helps kids open their minds, question more wisely, and stay true to reason over instinct.

TIP

• Use the phrase “What would someone who disagrees say?” to push your child beyond their default thinking. Encourage them to imagine other perspectives without judgment.

ACTIVITY

• Play “Bias Detective.” Watch a commercial, video, or scene from a show and spot possible biases—does the ad rely on popularity, appeal to authority, or ignore counterpoints?