Kids: Stealing Digital Data OK

Most kids know it's illegal to download copyrighted digital data, but that's not stopping them from doing it, says a recent poll sponsored by the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Of the 1,100 eight- to 18-year-olds polled, more than 80 percent know that music, movies, games, and software are protected by law, and more than 60 percent know the same applies to Web sites. Yet 53 percent of kids still download music and more than a third download games. Only 22 percent of kids, however, steal larger files such as software and 17 percent copy movies. A measly 29 percent think illegal copying is wrong. No wonder. Eight percent say their parents approve of the activity.

"The fact that kids know stealing software is wrong, and yet they behave like it's OK, clearly illustrates a challenging ethical dilemma," says Diane Smiroldo, a BSA spokesperson.

Indeed, 60 percent of youngsters worry about accidentally downloading a virus while pirating material online. Kids cite a number of reasons for illegal downloading, from not having the money to pay for software (51 percent) to the rationale that "lots of people do it" (33 percent). Twenty-six percent also view file stealing as a victimless crime, saying it "doesn't hurt anybody."

Smiroldo says, "It's critical that parents and teachers continue to educate our young people about the importance of cyber ethics and respect for intellectual property. Parents should supervise their kids' activities online, since much of this behavior takes place at home."

Interestingly, 59 percent of kids say their knowledge of intellectual property comes from television. Other sources include parents and the Internet (44 percent), and friends (30 percent). Teachers ranked dead last at 18 percent.