Teach Your Teen About Cheating 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? 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.   PulsePulsePulsePulsePulsePulsePulse 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   A teen would be more likely to cheat if ... You knew you would never be caught. 34% (Yes) 65% (No)  You had a teacher who didn’t seem to care about you and your work. 28% (Yes) 71% (No)  It was a class that didn’t matter. 16% (Yes) 83% (No) (abcnews.com)   Conversations With Your Teen 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) THE PARENT POVPoint of View Cheating is a topic that parents must tackle head on if they want their teen to make the right decision when faced with this very tempting decision. Here are some questions to start this very important conversation: 1. How do you define cheating? 2. Have you ever cheated? Did you get caught? How did you feel afterward whether you were caught or not? 3. What are the positives and negatives of cheating? Based on the answers given, how will this affect your decision to cheat in the future? 4. How do you think a parent or teacher should react when you are caught cheating?   GOD AND YOUR FAMILY Pray that: 1. God would put in your teen a strong discernment of right from wrong. 2. Your teen would be motivated to work hard to accomplish their goals and that they would not be tempted to take short cuts like cheating. 3. In every circumstance, you will be able to live and model a life of integrity and truth for your whole family. 4. God will surround your teen with friends who will keep each other accountable and set the example for those around them.   VERSE OF THE MONTH "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?' says the LORD. 'Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and my name is to be feared among the nations." Malachi 1:13b-14 (NIV) These verses are a great reminder that we can hide our cheating heart from others, but not from God. Cheating is a selfish act that not only hurts us, but also our relationship with God. How crazy is it that so many of us bring our second best to the King of Glory? Think about what happened to Achan (Joshua 7) or Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) when they cheated God. God meant business, and misfortune befell these people. God means business with us. He wants us to live a life that is above reproach and full of integrity. When you have the temptation to cheat, let us remember who we represent and who we serve!   DID YOU KNOW... * 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) * When "Who's Who Among American High School Students" surveyed some of the nation's top achievers, 40% admitted cheating on a test or quiz. A total of 65% admitted that they'd copied someone else's homework. (cbsnews.com) * There appears to be a huge disconnect between young people's attitudes about ethical behavior and their actions. Almost all – 98% – said it is important for them to be a person of good character, and 92% said they are satisfied with their ethics and character, but many still lie, cheat, and steal. (Josephson Institute of Ethics) * A poll by Junior Achievement, a group that teaches kids about the business world, found that 33% of teens would act unethically to make money or to get ahead if no one else would find out. (Psychology Today)   TRENDS What is expected to be hot this spring? Your teen may want to purchase the following: * Gaucho Pants (gals) * Bermuda Shorts (guys/gals) * Flip Flops (guys/gals) * Bold, Fun Prints (gals) (fashion.about.com)    FilmWatch Just My Luck - PG-13 For some brief sexual references. Comedy Romance Mission Impossible III - PG-13For intense sequences of violence & disturbing images & some sexuality. Action Stick It - PG-13 For some crude remarks. Comedy Drama Sports