<p>^That’s why I’d prefer to see less severity of punishment and more vigilance, especially in high school. I think for a first offense, a zero grade on the test or paper and a call to the parents should be sufficient. Repeat offenses could get harsher. Parents and kids are less likely to play the denial game if they can swallow the consequences more easily and it might make teachers less likely to turn a blind eye.</p>
<p>In college, I think first offense should be an F on the transcript, not suspension or expulsion as it is at some schools.</p>
<p>In any case, I feel strongly that the more kids that are caught, the less likely others will take the risk. Stronger controls also sends the message that authorities take protecting fairness seriously and are not clueless as to what’s going on.</p>