BBC launches iPlayer for children

19 December 2008 01:58pm

The BBC has launched a version of its massively popular iPlayer service specifically designed for children.

The "child-friendly" service is aimed at youngsters aged six to 12 - and there are plans for even younger children to take part in the service with their parents.

BBC iPlayer for CBBC will give children the chance to choose when they watch programmes such as Blue Peter, MI High and Sarah Jane Adventures.

Through the CBBC website, children can access iPlayer, and view for a week after broadcast, a selection of programmes in an area sectioned off from other channel programming.

In addition, some programmes will be available for up to 13 weeks as "series catch-ups".

Richard Deverell, controller of BBC Children's, said: "The iPlayer for CBBC is central to fulfilling our ambitions for CBBC as it enables us to provide programmes for children whenever they want to see them - not just when we choose to schedule them.

"Children already live in the fully interactive and on-demand world and this important launch means CBBC can be there for them."

According to a recent Childwise survey of 1,000 five to 16-year-olds, 90% have a PC at home, 36% have their own computer or laptop and 76% access the internet at home.

The service is an extension of BBC iPlayer, which has received more than 250 million requests to view BBC programmes since its launch last year. It will also restrict inadvertent access to non-children's programming.

The BBC said there are a "significant" number of requests each day for CBBC content on the main BBC iPlayer. The design was produced by a combined team of children's interactive experts from BBC Vision and video-on-demand specialists from the BBC's Future Media and Technology division.

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