Support for 'Young People, Music and the Internet'

Ronan Keating

"I am a father of three young kids who are all very interested in music and computers, they are forever 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 to use the internet safely and securely. The internet is a fantastic tool for us all to enjoy."
Cheryl Hood, Safeguarding and Child Protection Trainer (Cheshire)

"We distributed the [first Childnet] leaflets through staff training in children's social care. They were put in packs for social workers, family support workers, foster carers and residential workers. We also give them out to children and young people. It brings together all the relevant issues relating to music and how young people use the website for their interests in music."
Kevin Brennan, Minister for Children, Young People and Families (UK)

"The recent Byron Review confirmed that it's really important that we support teachers and parents to understand what children are doing online so that they can help them manage the risks and get the most from new technology. The Byron Review highlighted 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, and that it is important to respect the rights of others online including around cyber bullying and illegal downloading."
John Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive of IFPI (recording industry)

"The love of music has brought millions of people into the online world. However, it is clear there is still a huge knowledge gap about the legal and safety issues around young people's use of the Internet and mobile phones. This is a simple guide aimed at answering questions about music downloading that we believe teachers, parents and young people ask every day. It is aimed specifically at the educators - parents and teachers who themselves are in a unique position to pass on their knowledge to young people. "
Kim Bayley, Director General of ERA and Executive Board member of GERA-Europe (music retailers)

"GERA-Europe is pleased to continue its support for this international campaign. Educating consumers on legal ways to acquire music is key to growing the digital music market and entertainment retailers are well placed to distribute this message."
Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA (independent record companies)

"This guide provides vital information on how downloading music can be good for the artist as well as the fan. The whole free versus paying downloading debate needs to be seen in its true light. 80% of all new music actually comes from thousands of small independent music companies and artists who love the Internet. It gives music fans the chance to hear all the music they might otherwise never have discovered. But if no one pays for it today, who will make the music of tomorrow?"
Luis Cobos, President of GIART (performing artists)

"Parents are becoming increasingly aware that their children can be exposed to harmful or illegal content, even while searching for music on their family computer. Performing artists welcome this new guide, which will provide a much-needed tool for parents and teachers, by offering clear and simple advice about how to keep young people safe and within the law while enjoying music online."
John F. Smith, General Secretary British Musicians' Union and President, FIM (musicians)

"The Musicians' Union (MU) and its international partners in the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) welcome this initiative. It is vital that parents become aware of the methods that young people call upon when listening to music. Many thousands of MU members are not only performing artists, but also instrumental teachers and we hope that these teachers in turn encourage young, aspiring performers to become aware of how musicians earn a living and to also understand the important issues in respect of copyright that musicians rely upon."
Nicholas Lansman, Secretary General, ISPA UK (Internet Service Providers Association)

"ISPA UK believes that education is a key tool in preventing users from inadvertently breaching copyright law online. ISPA welcomes this initiative, which addresses key questions about downloading online content and advises about the availability of legal content online. Internet Services Providers support constructive initiatives such as this, which help to raise awareness amongst young people and parents about issues relating to content."
Laura, 17

"I used to use Limewire but didn't realize it was wrong and my parents didn't know what I was doing. Knowing that they understand will make me more willing to talk with them about how I use the Internet and what I'm doing."