The campaign centres around a multi-language guide book called Young People, Music & the Internet and will be sent to tens of thousands of schools across Europe.

Half of all nine- to 14-year-olds download music without parental supervision, according to government research.

A recent report highlighted "the growing adult insecurity in teaching young people about an environment they do not feel they understand themselves".

The new campaign is being backed by a number of individuals and organisations, including pop singer Ronan Keating, the BPI, the EU and the government.

Father-of-three Ronan Keating said that the internet is a fantastic tool and his kids are always asking "to use the computer to download their favourite songs".

"There is a constant worry about the security of the internet with children. This new guide helps adults and children use the internet safely and securely," he added.

Kevin Brennan MP, minister for Children, Young People and Families, said that the new guide should help bridge the generational digital divide.

"We need to help adults bridge that gap, and also help young people to understand that the virtual world is not a valueless world."

The guide will be distributed nationwide to parents and teachers via more than 5,500 schools, 2,300 libraries and 125 UK music retailers including Zavvi. It will also be supported by a viral online campaign.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said that he hoped the new campaign will "demystify music on the internet for adults and parents" and encourage more people to start downloading legally.

www.childnet.com/music
www.bpi.co.uk
www.netfamilynews.org

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