Artificial intelligence (AI) holds a unique potential to create new opportunities for everyone, boost economic growth, and advance science that can change and save lives. Therefore, it’s crucial to prepare young people for a future where AI will play an even more significant role.
Since its inception in 2018, Be Internet Legends has been a cornerstone of online safety education, reaching over 9 million children in the UK and more than 100 million worldwide. Today, recognizing the growing importance of AI proficiency, we are expanding the program to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an AI-enhanced world.
This week, our new assembly, « Understanding AI, » was broadcast live to 152 schools, reaching 22,800 students. The assembly aims to explain AI to children in an engaging and accessible way.
The assembly simplifies the concept of AI and its workings so that children can easily grasp it. It helps them identify AI in their daily routines, from voice assistants at home to traffic lights managing car flow on roads. It also encourages them to think critically about AI, question AI-generated information, and understand its limitations.
Importantly, the assembly emphasizes that AI is a tool that can complement human abilities and creativity, not replace them. It introduces children to the concept of ethical AI and encourages them to consider when AI should be used—and to always check the age ratings of apps and other services.
« Understanding AI » was developed in close collaboration with a diverse group of experts, including leading AI researchers, online safety specialists, and educators. This collaborative approach, combined with insights from a pilot project conducted in eight schools, ensures that the assembly’s content is accurate, age-appropriate, and engaging.
The assembly reinforces the core principles of Be Internet Legends, particularly the « Alert » pillar, which encourages children to be mindful of their online environment and potential risks. By integrating AI literacy into the program, we aim to equip children with the tools they need to become informed and responsible digital citizens.
You can watch the « Understanding AI » assembly on-demand at goo.gle/bil-ai-watch. For more information on the next Be Internet Legends assembly, as well as other events and updates, visit google.gle/bil-assemblies.
