The Dangers of Cheating
January 01, 2019
Cheating – it’s often seen as copying homework or having cheat notes during a test. But, it’s a reality in the adult world as well. I’ve seen adults encourage their young ones to snack on grapes while in the grocery store. I’ve heard others brag about getting out of speeding tickets.
Once, I handed a student a teacher textbook. He grinned from ear to ear. I asked if he’d like the book while doing his homework and tests and he vigorously shook his head. Then I added, “Do you feel smarter with all of the math answers?” Now, the room grew silent. “Will you be even more successful in next year’s math class if I provide you with all the right answers this year?”
Cheating and lying often lead into even greater problems. No one respects a friend who lies. In fact, most of us learn not to share secrets with those friends. You don’t get far with your dream job if you aren’t fully trained for it. Likewise, students who copy answers soon learn that they are now one or many lessons behind their peers. They’ve put themselves into a corner when they enter the competitiveness on most college campus.
Parents, be vigilant of your child’s homework. Question them if they appear to never have homework or if they rant about how much work they must accomplish that evening but then suddenly say they will get it done at school in the morning. If your child is accused of cheating, encourage proactive words such as “I copied the answers.” Rather than blame others with “everyone else does it.”
In the end, the person hurt most by cheating is the cheater. Kids, of course, need caring parents to remind that their hard work pays off. Don’t encourage short cuts and don’t glorify others who cheat or lie. We all want our children to become happy and healthy adults. Keeping them on the straight and narrow path is the best road to that goal.