If you were to ask a bunch of children what the most important thing about school is, they would probably say learning new things. Now if you were to ask a bunch of highschoolers what the most important thing about school is, they would probably say getting good grades and passing. Today, in a society that rates you based on your wits or grades, sometimes being moral is not a top priority.

According to an article written by The New York Times, the amount of students that cheat not only to survive, but also to thrive has increased over the last few decades. Due to an increase in phone use and a technology boom, cheating has become easier than ever before. With increased cheating, schools have not implemented strong punishments and parents have not stressed the importance of earning the grades you want with a high code of ethics in mind. Cheating has not just increased in students needing to barely scrape by and pass, it has also increased in students that are trying to get ahead of others and be on top.

“I think since the increase of pressure that had been put on students has made cheating worse because if there is more pressure then there will be more cheating,” said anonymous LHS student. “I think it is better to have good morals because as long as you try your best and do not cheat, you will succeed.”

Other students think differently. In a world where jobs and higher paychecks are given to those people with higher GPA’s and better grades, students are more willing get the “A” than learn the material.

“I believe that cheating has increased a lot because teachers continue to give us tons and tons of homework daily,” said anonymous LHS student. “I believe cheating is okay because it is not about getting good grades it is about passing because in real life, you have to do what you have to do to succeed. But I believe getting good grades and having good morals will get you further in life then cheating your way through everything.”