'I wouldn't be able to resist either': Viewers are left in hysterics after boys EPICALLY fail a chocolate fountain temptation task on the Secret Life of Five Year Olds

  • The experts set the boys and girls the same challenge
  • Separated by gender, they wanted to see who would do better
  • The girls proved successful by distracting themselves with other tasks
  • But as soon as one boy dared to dip his finger in, the rest soon followed 

By Natalie Corner For Mailonline

Published: 18:15 EST, 2 February 2017 | Updated: 18:37 EST, 2 February 2017

The Secret Life of Five Year Olds returned tonight and the focus was on the difference between genders.

The girls and boys - who were separated - were presented with a unique challenge - they had to resist eating from a chocolate fountain that was in the room with them.

While the girls triumphed with ease over the task, the boys were not so lucky - and their antics left viewers in hysterics on social media.

Harry's eyes lit up as he saw the chocolate fountain, he couldn't resist testing it out and dipped his finger in the chocolate

Viewers watching the show at home praised the children for doing so well joking that they would be straight in

Explaining the challenge, Clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey said: 'This is a variation on the temptation task, we've put a five-tier chocolate fountain literally oozing with chocolate in plain sight of the children. Who is going to be able to resist - the boys or the girls?'

The experts were testing their ability to understand rules, structure and boundaries.

The girls performed well by distracting themselves and viewers watching at home were totally impressed, with one writing: 'I wouldn't be able to resist! Even as an adult.'

'Mate there is no chance I am walking past a chocolate fountain without putting my face in it and I am 34,' joked another.

But the boys just couldn't help themselves as Harry led the way by dipping his finger in tentatively.

The girls spot the chocolate fountain and while they prepare to dig in they resist temptation and leave it alone

They distract themselves from the gooey flowing liquid by playing in the home corner making sure not to break the rules

The boys didn't do so well, while the girls triumphed with their temptation challenge resisting the urge to taste the chocolate

And when they realise there are no repercussions, Elijah heads straight back followed by Oliver D. By this time there's no stopping the boys and they ended up sticking their tongues directly under the flowing chocolate liquid. 

One male viewer said: 'We all know the boys will touch it. I know I would have done!'

‘Research shows us that girls are much less likely to take a risk,’ says Professor Howard-Jones. ‘The male brain is more attracted to riskier options, but it’s fascinating to see those differences forming now.’

The experts watch on to see if the children will be able to demonstrate their understanding of rules and structure

The girls beat the boys with their temptation challenge proving that they understood the rules are were not willing to risk the repercussions 

‘Whether it’s nature or nurture, it’s the girls who obey the rules and resist the temptation,’ says Professor Howard-Jones.

Some of this, says Alison Pike, developmental psychologist at the University of Sussex, is down to early brain development. ‘But,’ she adds, ‘we can’t forget that we are all influenced by our early cultural influences.’ 

The Secret Life of Five Year Olds returns next Thursday on Channel 4 at 8pm

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