Some US children continue to obtain music illegally though peer-to-peer file sharing programs, according to a survey by NPD Group.

NPD found that 70% of 9-to-14-year-olds download digital music each month. The majority of those downloads are obtained though legal outlets, though a significant number of respondents admitted using peer-to-peer file sharing.

Among 9-to-14-year-old-digital music downloaders, iTunes was the most popular source for music, with 49% of respondents using it. Limewire, a peer-to-peer network, was used by 26% of downloaders and MySpace was used by 16%.

“The recording industry has focused on high-profile litigation programs as a deterrent, and education initiatives to communicate alternatives to illegal music file sharing,” said Russ Crupnick, vice president of NPD Group.

“Findings in this report suggest that the industry can still do more to promote specific ways children can obtain digital music legally, through pre-paid accounts and gift cards," Mr. Crupnick said. "Another potential way to reach kids is through industry-sanctioned ad-supported Web destinations where kids can obtain digital music safely and legally.“