The BBC has announced plans by CBBC, the channel for 7-12 year olds, to create CBBC World – a website which would allow digitally literate children to access BBC characters and resources. Users would be able to build an online presence, known as an avatar, then create and share content.
The BBC reports that CBBC World would not have the “financial aspects” of other online worlds such as Second Life. Those building CBBC World said the emphasis would be on safety and responsibility, with no chatrooms or facilities for building new parts of the virtual world. It is expected to go live in the summer with a full launch in the autumn.
SOURCE: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/bulletins/issue10.pdf