Teenagers should be cautious during exams, advises Ofqual, an exam regulator in England.
They could face disqualification if caught with phones or searching for exam questions online.
The chief regulator recommends that students report any accounts selling exam papers to their teachers, as these accounts are typically fraudulent.
The number of instances involving the use of phones during exams has doubled since 2018, with over 2,000 cases in 2023.
During exams, students should secure a safe location for their phones. Ofqual urges students to plan, as many students are concerned about losing or damaging their phones but do not intend to cheat.
Sir Ian Bauckham, Ofqual's chief regulator, highlights the dangers of seeking exam questions online, where such accounts often distribute counterfeit papers.
"Students risk losing the qualification they’ve been studying for if they search for or communicate with social media accounts claiming to sell leaked exam papers," stated Ian.
Students could risk losing their qualifications even if the papers are fake.
Sir Ian emphasized the importance of alerting teachers about suspicious accounts.
"Accounts claiming to sell this year’s exam papers are almost always scams. Students should report these accounts to teachers," Sir Ian added.
Students risk their hard work and qualifications when interacting with these accounts.
Everyone is invested in students' exam success. It's crucial to shield them from the perils of using phones during exams and searching for exam questions online.
Fortunately, most students understand the risks and follow the rules during exams. This ensures that their grades accurately reflect their knowledge and abilities. Ofqual emphasizes the importance of adherence to these rules.
According to data released by Ofqual in December of last year, there were 4,895 malpractice cases during GCSEs, AS, and A-level exams in 2023.
This number increased from 4,105 cases in 2022. The rise in malpractice cases is concerning.
Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), commented on the situation. He stated that while the majority of students abide by the rules, there are always some who do not.
Unfortunately, the misuse of digital technology, such as using phones during exams or seeking exam questions online, poses a significant challenge.
Schools and colleges carefully supervise exam rooms to prevent candidates from using unauthorized devices.
They also advise students against trying to obtain exam questions from the internet. The papers distributed with the questions are typically counterfeit and spread as fraudulent activities. However, in rare cases of authentic paper leaks, students who access them risk disqualification.
Students must heed these warnings. Even if unintentionally, engaging with leaked exam papers can lead to severe repercussions.
Students must understand the seriousness of searching for online exam questions and respond accordingly.
According to a spokesperson for the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), students must report any fraudulent accounts claiming to sell exam papers online to their teachers.
By doing so, students can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams and protect the integrity of the exams.
Final Thought
It is critical to recognize the risks associated with searching for exam questions online and using phones during exams. Therefore, teenagers must heed the warnings from regulators and educators to avoid being disqualified.
Students can safeguard their grades and qualifications by reporting dishonest behavior and adhering to exam regulations. Let's prioritize upholding educational integrity and ensuring fair and secure exam environments.