We present a theory-based review of research on the persistence of chi
ldren's false memories over extended time intervals. Fuzzy-trace theor
y predicts that the long-term persistence of memory reports, whether t
rue or false, will depend on whether initial reports were supported by
verbatim or gist memories. In studies of children's spontaneous false
-memory reports, both true and false reports have displayed long-term
persistence, with false reports exhibiting persistence levels that wer
e equal to or greater than those for true reports under theoretically
specified conditions (which challenges the familiar forensic rule that
persistence over time is an index of a report's truth). In studies of
children's implanted false reports, both true and false reports have
again displayed longterm persistence, but persistence levels for true
reports have usually been higher than those for false reports.