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Rolling
Hills Baptist
2005 Braselton Hwy
Buford, GA 30519
| May 2006 |
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Teens will be faced with cheating well
beyond their school years. |
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Let's face it; every single person has had the
opportunity to cheat. The problem is that many of us,
including our teens, take this shortcut to get a better
grade, to gain approval from an authority figure, to
compensate for not being prepared, or because of sheer
laziness and apathy. Whatever the excuse, this issue of
cheating has become a major epidemic for teens. In fact,
according to a survey done by Christianity Today, only
six percent of Christian teens say they have never
cheated. Many teens today can justify their actions by
thinking things like, "Cheating on homework or a test is
not that bad", or "Everybody does it, so to get into the
college I want, I must do it as well." To help teens
develop correct views on cheating, parents must
challenge teens to ponder these three questions.
First, what does God say about cheating? Cheating
is not a gray area for God. Exodus 20:15 says, "You
shall not steal." Cheating IS stealing, whether on
homework, a test, or in competition. It is stealing
someone else’s time, efforts, or knowledge. Second,
what do my parents think about cheating? Your teen
must know how you feel about cheating and the
consequences that will ensue if they are caught.
Remember, your views on cheating should not just be
verbalized, but also seen in your actions. If you live a
life of integrity, your teen will be much more likely to
imitate your positive actions. Third, what do I (your
teen) think about cheating? Remind your teen that
they are being watched by their peers. Is a better grade
worth getting caught and losing your credibility with
teachers and peers who know you are a Christian? We must
teach our families how to use God’s word and His truths
to raise the bar of integrity in our homes, in our
schools, and in the world.
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How
can parents help prevent cheating in the first place?
1. Talk
about it. Make sure you have many conversations with your
teen about cheating before it becomes a problem.
2.
Be proactive in your teen's study habits. If you sense
your teen is struggling with a particular class, assist them
in finding a tutor or meet with their teacher to find out what
you can do to help your teen in this class.
3.
Include the topic of cheating in every conversation around
report card time. "Remember, like we stress telling the
truth in the family, we want you to have integrity in your
school work. We much prefer you get a lower grade than ever
resort to cheating."
4. Help teens realize what is
most important. Teens need this constant reminder of your
focus on the effort and process of education over the final
outcome of grades.
(cbsnews.com)
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 Abcnews.com conducted a survey of high schools
students regarding the issue of cheating. Here are some
of their findings:
How
many students at your school cheat?
26% - Hardly
Any/None
44% - Some
15% - A Lot
12% -
Most
(abcnews.com)
A teen would be more likely to cheat
if…
34% (Yes) 65% (No) – You knew you would never
be caught.
28% (Yes) 71% (No) – You had a teacher who
didn’t seem to care about you and your work.
16%
(Yes) 83% (No) – It was a class that didn’t
matter.
(abcnews.com)
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* 51% of
Christian teens think it is OK to ask a student who’s already
taken a test what is on the test.
(christianitytoday.com)
