BBC approaches more indies over MyCBBC

The BBC is in talks with a range of indies about providing content for an expanded MyCBBC, the social networking site for kids developed by Twofour Digital.

The corporation is also drawing up ideas for ways for Twofour to expand the MyCBBC environment, so that instead of just a standalone "den" it could feature a series of rooms and possibly an outside street.

The BBC has begun talks with other third parties about developing new material that will sit within the site.

The ideas under discussion are thought to include a virtual T-shirt-printing facility that would allow users to emblazon slogans on a T-shirt inside their MyCBBC wardrobe, and an application enabling children to spell words with online "fridge magnets".
Magic Lantern is understood to have been one of the indies approached.

Plans are still at an early stage but the expanded site could also allow different children to link their rooms together and may connect the MyCBBC site with other CBBC online environments such as Adventure Rock, it is understood.

The BBC declined to comment on the plans but the move signals a major commitment to the project, which was met with a barrage of criticism when its launch was announced in January.

The corporation originally billed the site as a "Facebook for kids" but backed away from the description after it was lambasted by the Daily Mail for overstepping its remit.

MyCBBC, which has been running since April, allows children to design their own online dens and send messages to real life friends from a palette of pre-determined symbols and phrases.

The restriction prevents children from inadvertently revealing details that could help web predators to identify them or be used to groom them as potential targets.

The site, which is overseen by Mark Goodchild, is part of the BBC's PSB aim to develop children's online media literacy within a protected environment.