Psychologists have identified the average age when Santa scepticism creeps in. Children begin to distinguish between fantasy and reality during pre school years but their belief in Santa continues until middle childhood.
Researchers at the University of Texas interviewed 48 six to fifteen year olds who had stopped believing in Santa and 44 of their parents plus a further 383 adults.
Disbelief began gradually about the age of 8 while some 3-4 year olds had convinced themselves that Santa did not exist. The testimony of other non believers finally crushed their faith.
Many had scepticism based on logical reasoning eg how could Santa get round the entire world in one night?
Many children were sad when they learnt that he did not exist, particularly in the abrupt way they learnt the fact.
Also many children had reduced trust in their parents as a result.
Many parents also felt bad about keeping up the deception.
When did you learn that Santa didn’t exist and how did you feel?
Dave Vizard's Behaviour Solutions 