Prior to the Blogathon, a group of sixth graders from Denmark worked with questions concerning web ethics to prepare themselves for their inauguration as Safer Internet Ambassadors on Safer Internet Day 2006. This led to a debate on copyright: what it is, and why we have to respect it.

“Why can’t you just copy pictures when they are on the internet, just like Google? Who will ever find out?” asked one of the students.

The question initiated a discussion on search engines and private persons, and also revealed a broad unfamiliarity with the concept of copyright among the students.  It was apparent that threats of fines, demands of compensation or, in a worst case scenario, even imprisonment are not sufficient to prevent illegal file sharing.

Attention on good web ethics is a necessity to reduce illegal file sharing, which is exactly what the Safer Internet Ambassadors will be focusing on, while blogging over the next couple of months. Their work will lead to a list with safer internet advice, which will be introduced in May 2006.

Children have a tendency to see the internet as an artificial world with no direct connection to the real world. It is therefore essential to incorporate good ethical behaviour corresponding to the real world in the work with Safer Internet and children.

In Denmark there are a number of online services with easily accessible information on copyright laws and online file sharing. A section of The Danish Media Council for Children and Young People’s site on children’s use of new media focuses on peer-to-peer and file sharing. The site infokiosk.dk initiated by the Danish Ministry of Culture, contains information and online tests on Danish copyright laws in relation to downloading and copying of computer games, films and MP3s.