AI and the future: exploring, understanding and thinking critically
AI is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Children, too, are encountering it more and more often. But do they understand what AI can and cannot do? And why do human knowledge and decision-making remain essential?

In the new classroom quest AI and Your Future, HackShield character Wanda takes pupils into her AI Robotics Lab, where she uses AI to train drones. When one of the drones is hacked, the class must work together to solve the problem.

During this interactive adventure, pupils discover how AI is used across different professions, the opportunities and risks associated with the technology, and why critical thinking remains essential. They also explore the role AI might play in their own futures.

At least 30 guest lessons to expand digital opportunities
Thanks to its partnership with Bollebozen, HackShield will deliver at least 30 guest lessons on AI and the future in the coming period, at schools affiliated with the Jeugdeducatiefonds (Youth Education Fund). During these lessons, pupils will work through the new classroom quest under the guidance of a guest teacher. By exploring, collaborating and asking questions, they will learn to engage with artificial intelligence more consciously and critically.

Bollebozen is an initiative by bol that has been committed to creating equal opportunities for children since 2021. In addition to encouraging a love of reading, Bollebozen focuses on developing digital skills, particularly among children for whom access to technology and knowledge cannot be taken for granted. After all, understanding how technology works helps children navigate both today's society and the world of tomorrow. That is why Bollebozen not only encourages children to read more, but also helps them find their way independently and confidently in an increasingly digital world. Through its Girls in Tech programme, Bollebozen also places particular emphasis on inspiring girls to explore technology.

By jointly developing the classroom quest, HackShield and Bollebozen bring together their expertise and ambitions. HackShield makes complex digital topics accessible through interactive storytelling and game-based learning. Bollebozen helps make this knowledge available to more children, enabling them to develop the skills they need in an increasingly digital society.

Hente van den Boom, Manager of Bollebozen:
"At Bollebozen, we believe every child should have the opportunity to develop the skills they need for the future. Digital technology and AI are playing an increasingly important role in this. Together with HackShield, we are introducing children to AI in an accessible and engaging way, while encouraging them to think critically about technology. In doing so, we are helping more children develop the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly digital world."

Emily Jacometti, Co-founder of HackShield:
"Many children are already using AI. The question is not whether they will encounter it, but whether we are preparing them well enough. Too often, we leave children to figure out how things work online on their own, when this is precisely where guidance is needed. At HackShield, we believe children learn by doing. Through this classroom quest, they discover not only what AI can do, but also that technology can make mistakes and that human knowledge and decision-making remain essential. Thanks to our partnership with Bollebozen, we can introduce this topic into classrooms in an accessible way and deliver guest lessons in the coming period."

Celebrating the Launch During Cybersecurity Month
The Tweede Openluchtschool in Amsterdam hosted a special event dedicated to digital resilience and artificial intelligence. During an interactive morning programme, pupils in years 7 and 8 of the Dutch primary school system (approximately 10–12 years old) were introduced to the new classroom quest.

The Dutch police's Mobile Media Lab and a local community police officer were also present. Pupils were given a tour of the mobile lab and had the opportunity to discuss online safety. The event brought together education, technology and real-world experience in an accessible and engaging way.

The event took place during Cybersecurity Month, the international awareness month dedicated to promoting digital safety. For HackShield and Bollebozen, it was a fitting opportunity to demonstrate that digital resilience goes beyond recognising online risks. It is also about learning to think critically, discovering talents and embracing opportunities in a world where technology plays an increasingly important role.

Through the new classroom quest and the guest lessons to follow, both organisations aim to help children find their place in tomorrow's digital world with knowledge, confidence and curiosity.

About HackShield
HackShield Future Cyber Heroes is a free educational game designed to help children aged 7 to 12 develop digital resilience through play. Through the game and accompanying educational programmes, children learn to recognise online risks and protect themselves and others. As Junior Cyber Agents, they also share their knowledge with the people around them.

HackShield operates without marketing to children or selling user data, and is committed to making its programmes as accessible as possible. More than 700,000 children worldwide have already played HackShield. Together with schools, municipalities and partners, HackShield is working to build a digitally resilient generation.

About Bollebozen
Bollebozen is an initiative by bol. Through Bollebozen, bol contributes to creating equal opportunities for children in the Netherlands, Flanders, Suriname and India. It does so by organising events and donating books, among other activities, with a focus on fostering a love of reading and helping children further develop their digital skills.