Cheating is a widespread problem

A recent survey of 12,000 high school students showed that the number of students who admitted they cheated on an exam at least once in the past year jumped from 61% in 1992 to 74% in 2002.  The primary reason?  Many young people today believe the ends justify the means – if you want to make a good grade on a test and need to cheat to do it, that's okay.  But it's not okay.  Character is always defined by doing the right thing, not the easy thing.  So talk to your children about why cheating is wrong.  Tell them that taking shortcuts will harm them in the end.  Tell them you would be proud if they did their best and got a "C" on a test the honest way, rather than getting a grade that is truly not theirs. 

For more on the way kids cheat, why it's wrong, and how to take steps to prevent it as a parent, read this. For a bit of humor, watch this.

Huddle up and ask your kids tonight:  Why is cheating wrong, even if it puts you at a disadvantage?