Redmond, Wash. - About half of teens are not familiar with copyright laws that pertain to downloading media, and only 11% clearly understand the current rules, crediting their parents most often as their information source, according to a survey of 501 teens in grades 7-10 conducted by Microsoft (NASD: MSFT).

Overall, just 48% of teens surveyed think illegal downloading should be punished, compared with 90% who said punishment was appropriate for stealing a bike.

Of those who thought some punishment was appropriate for illegal downloading, 24% favored notifying parents and having the offense noted on their permanent record, while 13% approved of probation and community service, and 8% said that juvenile detention would be appropriate.

In contrast, among teens familiar with copyright laws, 82% said illegal downloaders should be punished.

Microsoft added that it has partnered with Topics Education to launch the pilot of an intellectual property curriculum for middle and high school teachers.

Part of the curriculum includes Mybytes.com, a site where kids can use mixing software to create a downloadable ringtone, and assign usage rights.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/yposyc

http://tinyurl.com/2fnzr6 (PDF of study)

http://www.ipreducation.com

http://www.mybytes.com