A ZERO tolerance approach to cheating in Scottish school exams is paying off, according to qualifications chiefs.
New figures from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) show 249 pupils were penalised for cheating in 2013 compared to 324 in 2012 - a fall of 23%.
The number of pupils caught cheating with smartphones is also falling following a rise over the past two years.
There were 51 cases of inappropriate smartphone use in exams this summer compared to 73 in 2013 and 64 the previous year.
There were 88 cases of plagiarism, 31 cases of collusion and 17 cases where pupils took prohibited items into the exam room.
The SQA said a concerted campaign to highlight the dangers of cheating was getting through.
"We have worked very hard, in partnership with schools and colleges, to emphasise the zero tolerance approach to cheating, including the use of mobile phones," said a spokesman.
"Every single case of malpractice is unacceptable and through a combination of the documents we produce and verbal warnings from teachers and exam invigilators, the message is getting through to candidates."
The spokesman said an element of peer pressure also appeared to be at play, "with young people reminding their friends that cheating isn't worth it".
Eric Martinez, SQA director of operations, said the overall number of cases of cheating by candidates sitting SQA national examinations, ranging from Standard Grade to Advanced Higher, was extremely low - some 0.03% of the total.
A spokeswoman for the National Parents Forum Scotland said: "We welcome this news which demonstrates that pupils do understand that there is a time and a place for using technology appropriately.
"We anticipate that smartphones and other technology will be increasingly used for learning and teaching in schools.
She added: "It is important that we are completely clear about when and where they can be used.
"Adults need to recognise that technology is here to stay and that fears over its inappropriate use can be addressed."
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