Many teens said that they didn't even consider copying test answers from a peer as cheating. This generation has a very different mindset about overall honesty than say the 50 year olds of today. Most teens said that they feel that to get by in today's world there is a need to cheat or lie.
When parenting teens there are times when we have to explain things that may seem obvious to us but that we should never assume our teens just know. For example, we need to get very specific about what cheating is and we need open discussions about why we need to avoid this kind of behavior. When talking with your teen you may want to remember to point out some of the following definitions of cheating:
- Making up data or resources (such as on a school paper).
- Copying anything written by anyone else whether it's online, in a book or other publication or even a friend's writings. Teens should know they need to have permission to copy another persons writings and then they must give credit where credit is due.
- Copying the work of any other student and passing it off as their own.
- Working with others on individual assignments.
- Getting test answers from any source.
- Taking a test on behalf of another or having someone take a test for them.
- Being part of any of these things, no matter what part you play is wrong!
It may seem to adults that these things are assumed and known by teens. This latest study shows that teens don't see a problem with a lot of these offenses. For them, the lines have been crossed and these things are common place.
So how can you help your teen? These character traits, like honesty, are taught in the home and hopefully reinforced in school as well as the teens extra curricular activities. One way that parents can help their teens and children of all ages is to have regular discussion about family values and character development. Discussion about what makes good and strong men and women that contribute to society rather than help it's decline.
Honesty should be expected of teens and dishonesty should not be tolerated if you don't believe in it. Set the precedence in your home of honesty and set a good example. If it makes it easier to have a discussion about honesty and cheating you can use a parent contract that shows what the expectations for your home are and what the consequences for being dishonest are going to be. This helps a teen understand that you are serious as well as taking out any gray are on issues that are important to you as a parent.
