VIEWS BBC BITESIZE The future is bright
This month, CERYS GRIFFITHS, Head of BBC Bitesize, shares the findings of the annual BBC Bitesize Teen Summit Survey. She also unveils details of a new AI guide for teenagers and an intriguing media literacy campaign.
As adults, we often paint a gloomy picture of the future. And yet, the findings of our latest BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit Survey suggest teenagers don’t share our pessimism – more than three- quarters (79%) said they were feeling positive about their future. AI is certainly going to be a significant force in shaping the future and the survey highlighted that it was already impacting young people. Almost half (47%) use AI to help with homework and coursework (up from 36% in 2024 and 29% in 2023).
BBC Bitesize Guide to AI
Understandably, there were concerns with around a third (30%) considering how AI might impact future jobs, creativity and the spread of misinformation. In response, we have launched the BBC Bitesize Guide to AI, a collection of films to help teenagers to navigate AI and increase their critical thinking. It also showcases some of the exciting ways AI is changing the world of work and future jobs. With the help of Newsround’s Emma-Louise Amanshia and BBC Wales’ Gareth Elis, teenagers put AI through its paces. How might they use AI to support revision, with wellbeing and their social feed? Each short film features young people trying out AI and discussing with Emma-Louise and Gareth what surprised them, what might be useful, and what might need to be avoided.
As well as testing out AI’s use in education, the Guide looks at some of the innovative ways AI is already being used in the world of work. Focusing on the stories of young people early in their careers, five films look at how AI is changing fashion, gaming, music, sport and conservation. The films show how AI is supporting the fashion design process, creating bespoke gaming experiences and helping football teams to scout and develop new players. The BBC Bitesize Guide to AI is also packed with extra tips and advice – ideal for use in PSHE and form time. We’d love to know what you think!
Misinformation and fake news
The survey also found that two-thirds of young people worry about fake news and misinformation online. BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story has a wealth of resources to help young people as well as teaching materials on BBC Bitesize for Teachers.
Coming soon to BBC Bitesize is our exciting new series Solve the Story for 11-16-year-olds – designed to be used in the classroom and help students strengthen their media literacy skills. The ‘whodunnit’ drama features a storyline about manipulated images, stolen identities, and fake news. Over the course of six short episodes, Solve the Story will give your students the chance to analyse social media feeds, learn how to verify sources, spot scams, and much more. It will be accompanied by teaching resources to support classroom discussion and activities. Sign up now to receive more information.
For more information, head over to the Trending section of BBC Bitesize website:
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
BESA partners with Council of British International Schools
The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) has announced a new partnership with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
This collaboration will provide BESA members with enhanced opportunities to engage with British international schools worldwide, strengthening our shared commitment to excellence in international education and supporting members in expanding their global reach.
With BESA representing nearly 400 trusted UK education suppliers and COBIS supporting over 330 British international schools across more than 85 countries, this partnership will open new channels for collaboration and growth.
Through this partnership, BESA members will gain access to speakers and insights from school leaders operating in key international markets, drawn from the extensive COBIS network. There will also be additional benefits for COBIS Supporting Associates who are BESA members, and opportunities for collaboration on events and conferences for the mutual benefit of our communities. Caroline Wright, Director General of BESA, said: “We have long admired COBIS and the work they do to raise standards, ensure safeguarding, and facilitate collaboration among their network of
October 2025
international schools worldwide. COBIS and BESA share many of the same values and offer complementary services, so it seems a natural next step to formalise our collaboration. This partnership will support the work of both associations and deliver greater value for our members. I look forward to continuing what is already a long and healthy working relationship.”
Colin Bell, CEO of COBIS, said: “We are delighted to partner with BESA, an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting high-quality education worldwide. This collaboration will create new pathways for COBIS Supporting Associates to connect, learn, and grow their international reach. By working together, COBIS and BESA can further strengthen the bridge between trusted education suppliers and leading British international schools around the world.” Closer ties between BESA and COBIS will bring greater opportunities for both associations and raise awareness of our shared mission to champion excellence, innovation, and collaboration in education worldwide.
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