Work

Children flexibly adjust their punishment judgments of bystanders

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While children evaluate bystanders who do not offend victims negatively, it is unclear whether they would punish them. This study consolidates findings from 1 pre-study and 4 experiments (3-8-year-olds; N = 192; 49% girls; 100% Asian) that examine children's punishment judgment of bystanders in various contexts. The results revealed that children engaged in punishment not only of the wrongdoer but also of the non-intervening bystander. However, they did not punish the bystander who intervened in the negative situation. Additionally, children adjusted their punishment judgment for the bystander upon considering whether the wrongdoer and bystander shared group membership and the intention to harm the victim (odds ratio = 5.08). Implications for how bystanders are morally judged are discussed.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1093/chidev/aacaf028

Authors: Ayaka Ikeda, Yuko Okumura

Institutions: Senshu University, NTT (Japan)

Language: English

Topic: Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320