What is the Halo Effect? A Guide for Parents with Conversation Scripts

Credit: SimplyPsychology.org Have you ever noticed how a first impression — whether positive or negative — shapes how you view someone long after that moment has passed? This is called the Halo Effect, a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person influences how we perceive their character, even if it’s not accurate. Understanding the Halo Effect can help children and teens navigate social interactions, friendships, online influencers, and even marketing messages. As a parent, you can help your child become more aware of this bias, empowering them to think critically and avoid snap judgements. What is the Halo Effect? The Halo Effect happens when we allow one positive or negative trait to colour our perception of a person’s entire character. For example: This bias is common in real-life situations and online. Influencers and celebrities often benefit from the Halo Effect, as their polished images can make them appear more credible or trustworthy than they really are. Why Should Parents Talk About the Halo Effect? Children and teens are highly influenced by peers, teachers, and media. Teaching them to think critically can help them: Below are conversation scripts tailored for different age groups to help your children understand and recognise the Halo Effect. Scripts for Talking to Kids About the Halo Effect For Ages 5-7: Simple and Relatable Parent: “Do you remember when we met [a friend’s name] for the first time? What did you think about them when you saw them?” Child: “I thought they were nice.” Parent: “Why did you think that?” Child: “They smiled at me.” Parent: “That’s a great first impression! But did you know that sometimes we make up stories in our heads about people just because of how they look or act at first? It’s called the Halo Effect. It’s like when someone looks friendly, we think they’re always kind — but we don’t know that for sure.” Child: “Oh!” Parent: “Next time you meet someone new, think about getting to know them before deciding what they’re like, okay?” For Ages 8-12: Exploring Social Situations Parent: “Have you ever noticed how people in school might think someone is really cool just because they’re good at sport?” Child: “Yeah, like [name].” Parent: “That’s the Halo Effect. Because they’re good at one thing, people assume they’re good at other things too — like being kind or a good friend. But is that always true?” Child: “Not always.” Parent: “Exactly! So next time you see someone being treated as super cool, ask yourself if it’s fair to make assumptions about them just because of one thing. And remember, it works the other way too — someone who makes a mistake isn’t a bad person.” For Ages 13-17: Tackling Influencers and Media Parent: “Have you ever thought about why so many people follow influencers on social media?” Teen: “Yeah, because they look good or seem cool.” Parent: “That’s the Halo Effect at work. Because someone has a perfect Instagram feed or lots of followers, people think they’re trustworthy or know a lot about life. But do you think that’s always true?” Teen: “Probably not.” Parent: “Right. The Halo Effect makes it easy to assume someone’s a good person just because they look good or have nice things. It’s important to question what we see online and remember that people are more than just their image.” Teen: “So, like, don’t trust everything we see online?” Parent: “Exactly. Always look for evidence and think critically before making assumptions.” How to Help Your Child Overcome the Halo Effect Here are some tips for reinforcing this lesson: Final Thoughts The Halo Effect can shape how children see the world — but with your guidance, they can learn to think critically and treat others more fairly. By starting conversations early and modelling thoughtful behaviour, you can help your child avoid falling into the trap of snap judgements and become a more mindful, empathetic person. Remember: A polished image doesn’t always tell the whole story!