It is becoming more important to teach children and teens that the Internet has many options and a lot of information.

Illegally downloading music and other creative materials online is a problem. According to a National Assessment Center (NAC), 42% of students downloading music online in grades 5-12 said that they have never paid for it. Record labels and others involved in the music business have taken legal action against downloading artists and other actions. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, together with i-SAFE, an Internet education nonprofit, is pursuing a different approach. The innovative educational program is intended to educate children and young adults about real people. “behind the music”People who are harmed by illegally downloading their intellectual property.

It is the first educational initiative of this type, aimed at middle-schoolers. “The Donny the Downloader Experience”ASCAP launched the program in February 2007 with i-SAFE. This program is designed to highlight the negative effects of music piracy, particularly for those who earn a living through their art. More than a quarter million students have been trained with this interactive curriculum to date.

The message is getting through to young people. An assessment of 680 students attending the assemblies revealed that at least 60% had a better understanding about legal downloading. They were also more likely use legal online music stores, were less likely accept illegally downloaded music from their friends, and were better informed about how illegal downloads affect the music industry.

“Education is a critical part of the process in helping children understand the real value of creative works like songs,”Phil Crosland is the ASCAP’s executive vice president for marketing. “This program allows young people to feel on a personal level that downloading music illegally hurts many more people than they think.”

ASCAP’s Donny, a 14-year-old cartoon character, guides students through a series mis-adventures online. The videos are short and interactive. Sonya Bender (17-year-old singer and songwriter) is interviewed by music producers about illegal downloading. ASCAP hopes that students will find the program useful and helpful.

Visit this site for more information and a video preview. www.ascap.com/donnyOr www.isafe.org.