CBBC - Virtual Toddler

The BBC announced yesterday that their affiliate CBBC is developing an online virtual world for children. CBBC is a channel for 7-12 year old children, and the new plans will allow digitally capable children to access virtual character avatars. The children will be able to create the characters and build an online presence with an array of resources aimed at the age group.

CBBC World bosses said that this new world would not have the financial aspects of other virtual worlds like Second Life.

A spokesman said: “This kind of cross-platform broadcasting is becoming the norm for people who have been born into the digital world. It will give children a chance to move around a safe, secure world where they can not only interact with familiar characters but have an opportunity to make that world a more fascinating place with their own imaginations.”

The CBBC World builders will be creating a world where the emphasis is on safety and responsibility, and there will be no chat rooms or facilities for building new parts to the new world. CBBC World is expected to go online this summer, with a full-launch planned to coincide with the re-launch of CBBC in the fall.

BBC children's controller Richard Deverell said: “CBBC World is a good example of the way we need to go. The thing that interests me is that children are at the vanguard. And that is where we are taking Children's BBC.”

Web 2.0?

On the face of it, certainly! What could be more appropriate than good content and fun for kids in a web 2.0 environment? This is especially true without the advertisement bombardment issue involved in other virtual communities.

This is also of great public relations benefit to CBBC and I am sure this was not overlooked in the planning of this new launch. However, this is to be expected, but the main thing is that high quality content is brought to children.

I am sure the introduction to virtual worlds to children will not hurt the BBC in future long term developments. Much like McDonalds in the U.S., companies are always benefited from introducing young people to their products. Children do grow up, and want to expand their virtual world, or in the case of McDonald's our waistlines.

Image from CBBC's ”Watch my Chops”, Bernie dragging Corneil