Kent experts star in youth-led TV series on cyber and AI

Kent students and researchers from the Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) have contributed to a new educational TV series that aims to help young people navigate the fast-changing digital world.

The two-part documentary series, informed by iCSS and the Kent & Medway Cyber Cluster (KMCC), follows young presenters Henley and Eleanor as they team up with two PhD researchers to investigate the world of cyber, crime and AI across Kent and the South East. The unique format, which forefronts young people's views alongside those of university experts, offers 11-15-year-olds an accurate, curriculum-aligned and research-informed means to engage with issues around online safety, algorithms and the potential social media ban.

In one episode, Dr Jim Everett, a psychologist in the School of Psychology, travels to Westminster with the presenter to discuss AI safety with MP Dawn Butler and Baroness Beeban Kidron. In another segment, Professor Shujun Li, Professor of Cyber Security and Director of iCSS and Executive Producer and Research Lead for the project, delivers a deepfake education session at the Five Acre Wood School in Maidstone.

Hundreds of students at Walderslade and Greenacre Schools Partnership attended the live panel discussion filmed for the show, which saw industry experts, politicians, researchers and young people debate cyber-related issues.

The programme, which builds on the success of previous entries in the Generation franchise, is a direct response to an urgent regional and national need. According to the 2023 ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study), only a quarter of UK students are proficient in basic digital skills, while shortages in the cyber workforce remain severe. In Medway alone, one in four adults lack even basic digital literacy, highlighting the importance of engaging the next generation early. 

Professor Shujun Li said: 'Thanks to funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Innovate UK, we were very fortunate to have such a great opportunity to collaborate with KMTV on the documentary. 

'Our research work and school outreach activities on pre-university cyber education have repeatedly highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaborations and creative materials for educating children about cyber and AI.

'The documentary comes at a particularly   moment as cyber security and AI safety are becoming two of the biggest societal challenges we are facing today. We hope that the documentary will make our next generation more prepared for such challenges and inspire more to collaborate in this space.'

Andy Richards, Channel Director at KMTV and Executive Producer, added: 'Generation Cyber is our third collaboration with the Government to create live action content for young audiences, and projects like this are becoming more important than ever. At a time when commissioning of British children's content is at a historic low, we're incredibly proud to be producing ambitious, meaningful programming that speaks directly to young people.'

Isabelle Le Marechal, Series Director, added: 'The series felt so important to make. We interviewed Baroness Beeban Kidron MBE who said 'A generation of people who don't see hope, who don't see themselves in the world is about the most dangerous thing.

'That resonated with me when filming Generation Cyber because fitting into the world can be difficult. This is especially true when you're growing up, and even more so when adults are making decisions about your generation and you're not really in the discussions about what affects your future. 

'I hope that by working alongside young people, Generation Cyber can help them to navigate their thoughts around the online world and their place in it.'

The series also aims to close gender and diversity gaps in the cyber sector. Currently, just 22% of the UK's cyber workforce is female, with even lower representation from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups.  

'Generation Cyber isn't just a one-off,' Le Marechal explained. 'It's designed to be the start of a national model for youth-focused cyber education, building on Kent's strengths and helping to shape a digitally skilled, resilient generation.'

Watch the Generation Cyber series on YouTube.