Online File Sharing
Peer-to-Peer networks (P2P) are networks that allow users to share files with each other.  Users can download files from another person’s computer who is connected to the file sharing network.  Users can upload files from your computer when you are connected.  All types of files can be shared including documents, music, movies and software.  Some risks associated with these networks are downloading a file with a computer virus, downloading inappropriate or harmful material, or copyright infringement.  When you download a file from another user on a P2P network you do not usually know if the file may contain a virus that can infect your computer.  You may also unknowingly be infecting other computers by sharing a file that contains a virus.  Your child may also unknowingly download pornographic material from these sites.  They may think they are downloading a video that they want to see, but it really contains pornography.  It is also important to understand that file sharing of copyrighted materials without permission is illegal and the user could be subject to a lawsuit. 

Strategies
Talk with your child about the risks involved with online file sharing.

Check out the file sharing site your child wants to use.  Make sure they do not offer inappropriate material that your child could download. 

There are legitimate file sharing services out there for downloading music and video.  Check those out and encourage your child to use them.