Cheating on most assignments in my school is strictly prohibited. On most assignments, it's expected that students uphold an "integrity code" by writing a statement (posted in every room on the boards, "I affirm that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this test/quiz/assignment") and signing their name. Typically, I've seen "cheating" frequently just in the form of copying homework really, nothing major. I've only seen one or two people caught by some teachers who managed to make different homework assignments by just changing up the numbering, and it's usually a slap on the wrist at first I think (a very harsh one, as in "do it again and we'll expel you").
Never have I seen cheating on any quizzes, tests, or exams. When those are being taken, teachers will be really strict about any form of cheating and will keep a constant eye on students and ensure everyone is far apart.
Seems like you friends take high school way to seriously
Sorry for dealing with work by myself. I don't really understand the argument here, the only person at loss is anyone who doesn't study for these and then gets all butthurt about how someone isn't helping them by cheating. Not anyone else's problem if you can't study for things.