CBeebies everywhere
Sally
Senior Producer
Fast paced technology – some very interesting facts (well, I think so...)
We all know that technology is changing very fast at the moment, and this is influencing our online habits. This is especially true with children. A few years ago, almost everyone using the CBeebies website would have come to it through a desktop computer, but the last few years have seen many more ways emerge for children to play games and other activities online.
This chart shows how dramatically times have changed, even since 2012. It shows which devices people have visited our website on. This year, visits on tablet devices have overtaken desktop computers for the first time. So, we’ve been making some changes to improve the experience across all the devices, as well as our apps.
We all know that technology is changing very fast at the moment, and this is influencing our online habits. This is especially true with children. A few years ago, almost everyone using the CBeebies website would have come to it through a desktop computer, but the last few years have seen many more ways emerge for children to play games and other activities online.
This chart shows how dramatically times have changed, even since 2012. It shows which devices people have visited our website on. This year, visits on tablet devices have overtaken desktop computers for the first time. So, we’ve been making some changes to improve the experience across all the devices, as well as our apps.
Changes to the CBeebies website
You may have noticed some changes to the CBeebies desktop and mobile websites in recent weeks. We’ve been very busy ensuring that we are keeping up with how children are behaving digitally, whilst making the most efficient use of the licence fee.
We are delighted that our website and digital activities are becoming what we called ‘responsive’ - in other words they should work whether you are on desktop, tablet or a mobile phone. This is a very big step forward for us and allows the three separate CBeebies websites (desktop, mobile and Grown-ups) to merge into just one bigger, better site. It also allows more compatibility with CBBC who are undergoing similar changes themselves.
Keeping up with the kids doesn’t stop there – you can now find CBeebies in other places such as iPlayer and our Playtime and Storytime apps. We hope this helps families to get the most out of CBeebies in a way and at a time that suits them best. The CBeebies Grown-ups area will also be undergoing changes in the next few months to help families find our content more easily on a range of devices.
Keeping up with the kids doesn’t stop there – you can now find CBeebies in other places such as iPlayer and our Playtime and Storytime apps. We hope this helps families to get the most out of CBeebies in a way and at a time that suits them best. The CBeebies Grown-ups area will also be undergoing changes in the next few months to help families find our content more easily on a range of devices.
Changes to content
In the last 10 years of CBeebies we have created a great deal of content supporting over 100 shows. Sadly, some of the technology that made these classic games is no longer compatible with modern technology. To keep up with changes in the most forward thinking way we can, we have needed to make some changes to the desktop and mobile websites and content. We have chosen what changes to make based on a number of complex factors such as technology, rights and popularity.
Evolution in action
Of course, this isn’t the first change. I thought I’d take this moment to enjoy a look a back at how much the CBeebies site has changed since its birth. Just take a look at some of these...
1998
In 1998 the under 7s were still included in the very yellow CBBC website.
2002
I’ve searched the internet and our old broom cupboards to find this image of the first CBeebies website in 2002. It’s beginning to look familiar - the yellow bugs have made an appearance as well as some classic shows we still have, such as Postman Pat, and of course the Teletubbies.
2007
In 2007, we’re beginning to see CBeebies green hills with many of our loved shows skipping merrily through them. We can also see that the website is trying to cope with the breadth and volume of fun activities.
2009
Now, this is even more familiar! This 2009 gave us many of the features we still see today. This much-loved variation of the website thought about giving kids the driving seat so they could recognise buttons by using familiar images.
2012 on a Desktop
2012 on a Desktop
This edition should look very familiar to you all – but this is on a desktop computer. The mobile site for tablets and phones worked quite differently
2014
After this current launch, we will continue to make small changes to improve how the responsive site works, and we plan to include more information and content for grown-ups, so you and your child can make the most out of your time online together.
How to explain the change to your little ones
We know that some little ones may be upset about the change. It can be a confusing time but it can help if you stay positive about it and show them that their favourite shows are still there.
If they do get upset by the changes it might help to spend a little time exploring the site and apps together. Why not go on a voyage of discovery with them? You could try to make it into a game, “Let’s see what happens if you press this button…” or maybe try and give them the confidence to explore: “Where do you think your favourite show could be…”. It may take a little time for them to find new routes to their favourite games but we’re sure when they get there, they’ll start to see how fun and intuitive the new website is!
