Study Finds Parents' Language Shapes Kids' Perceptions of Snakes

Kindergarteners view snakes as distinct from other animals, but exposure can change attitudes.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A study of over 100 kindergarten-age children in Oregon and Canada found that kids tend to view snakes differently than other animals, and that negative or objectifying language from parents about snakes can contribute to this perception. However, the researchers also discovered that minimal intervention, such as reading a storybook about a snake's daily life, can help 'inoculate' children against developing negative attitudes toward snakes.

Why it matters

Understanding how children form their views of snakes is important, as snakes play a vital role in many ecosystems, yet face high risk of extinction due to widespread public dislike and fear. This research provides insights into how early childhood experiences and parental influence can shape perceptions of snakes, which could inform conservation efforts and educational programs.

The details

The study, led by researchers at Oregon State University and the University of Regina, involved three parts. First, they had parents read a picture book about snakes with their children, and also read them a storybook that either used objectifying "it" pronouns or more personifying "she" pronouns when describing the snake. They then assessed the children's views on how similar snakes are to humans, other animals, and non-living things. The researchers found that when parents used negative language, children were more likely to see snakes as distinct from humans and other animals. However, they also discovered that simply exposing the children to information about snakes, even without the parental influence, helped shift their perceptions to viewing snakes as more similar to other animals.

  • The study was published in February 2026.

The players

Jeff Loucks

Co-author of the study and professor of teaching in the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University.

Denée Buchko

Study leader and researcher at the University of Regina.

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What they’re saying

“Childhood is a critical time for shaping someone's attitudes and behaviors toward animals. Snakes have a very negative reputation in Western societies and are commonly misunderstood.”

— Jeff Loucks, Professor of teaching (Mirage News)

“It seems as though 5-year-old kids, from Western cultures anyway, tend to think that snakes are very different from other animals, and negative and objectifying language might contribute to that. But some exposure to snakes and learning about their biological needs can act as an inoculation against negative attitudes toward snakes, which can help to engender care and respect for these animals.”

— Jeff Loucks, Professor of teaching (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate how early childhood experiences and parental influence shape perceptions of snakes, with the goal of informing conservation efforts and educational programs to promote greater understanding and appreciation of these animals.

The takeaway

This study highlights the powerful role that parents and early childhood experiences play in shaping children's attitudes toward snakes, which are often misunderstood and feared. By fostering more positive and educational interactions with snakes, we can help cultivate the next generation's care and respect for these important ecological contributors.