Yep, schools are going to start teaching kids in the ins and outs of downloading - the pros and cons of different P2P engines, how to share your MP3s with others, what to do when the BPI come knocking on your door. No, not really, but the issues around the illegal sharing of music may well become part of the curriculum following the publication of a new schools pack by British Music Rights, the body set up to promote the interests of music copyright holders in the UK.
Produced in response to requests by hundreds of music teachers, the new educational pack is part of a programme that encourages schools to teach children aged between 11 and 14 that copyright is important for the creative industries, and to explain the implications of illegally downloading music off the internet.
Launching the educational pack Emma Pike, director general of British Music Rights, told reporters: "We believe that copyright is an essential part of teaching music in schools. It is vital that the creatives of the future know how to turn their ideas into value. Copyright education has always been important... but more so now because creatives are facing more challenges from technological change."
Supporting the pack, songwriter Guy Chambers, best known for his work with Robbie Williams, said he felt teaching children about copyright would also benefit those interested in a career in music: "I think it is important that young people receive practical and engaging learning in schools. These lessons will give them an insight into how the creative industries work which will help them in possible future careers."