Washington - The number of U.S. youth (ages 8-18) illegally downloading copyrighted works off the Internet has fallen 24% in the past three years, according to a new survey conducted by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), a trade group representing copyright holders.

The group cited parental oversight as a key factor in the drop in illegal downloading, from 60% of youth in 2004, to 43% in 2006 and 36% in 2007.

The survey also found that in 2007, 30% of youth admitted downloading music without paying, down from 32% in 2006 and 53% in 2004, while 8% admitted downloading a movie without paying, compared to 10% in 2006 and 17% in 2004.

When asked what worried them about downloading copyrighted works without paying, 62% cited accidentally downloading a virus; 52% said fear of legal trouble; 51% said accidentally downloading spyware; and 48% cited fear of getting in trouble with parents.

"The survey found that more than half of the students have been warned by their parents about dangerous, illegal online behaviors," said Diane Smiroldo, vice president of public affairs for BSA.

"Imposing rules and ensuring your children abide by them may be an old- fashioned concept for cyberspace, but it works."

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/356g22

http://www.bsa.org

http://www.playitcybersafe.com