Boys' frequent lying was assessed twice over a 12-month interval between 11 and 12 years of age, using teacher, peer and self-reported Social relations may be complicated more by being perceived to be a liar than by lying itself. Although several studies have shown the utility of lying to facilitate social interactions in a competitive context, children's lying has been associated with major behaviour problems (Achenbach and Edelbrock, 1981;Loeber and Schmaling, 1985;Rutter et al., 1970;Stouthamer-Loeber, 1986;Wilson and Caroll, 1991). It is not clear whether some children really lie more frequently than others or if they are simply perceived to lie more given their other problems. Behavioural problems could create a halo or reputation effect leading others to believe that these children use deception often