About newsround: CBBC’s news and features for children
Introduction
newsround is the BBC’s dedicated news service for children, presented on the CBBC platform and related channels. It is designed to explain current events in an age-appropriate way, combining short bulletins with interactive material. The programme is relevant because it helps younger audiences understand the world, provides emotional support resources and offers safe opportunities to engage with news topics.
Main body
Website and interactive features
The newsround home on CBBC presents stories, pictures and videos aimed at children. The site offers quizzes and free games to complement reporting, allowing young users to learn through play while staying informed about current events. The emphasis on clear, accessible content makes the service a resource for parents, teachers and children seeking reliable, child-friendly news coverage.
YouTube, bulletins and special playlists
newsround maintains an active presence on YouTube, where viewers can find themed playlists and short features. Examples include advice content such as “Advice if you’re upset by the news” and compilations grouped under headings like Happy News and Strange News. Happy News playlists highlight positive stories—examples listed include Giant Pandas, LEGO Art and Hong Kong Magic—while Strange News collects unusual or curious items such as a Santa Dance-Off and a story on diving chess. For daily bulletins, viewers are directed to BBC iPlayer, and the programme encourages children to take part in votes and express views on stories through the Newsround website.
Presenters and special formats
Presenter information drawn from available records shows several contributors and stand-in presenters over recent years. Nazia Mogra is listed as a stand-in presenter from 2015–2020 (five years), Martin Dougan as a stand-in presenter from 2013–2022 (nine years), and Leah Boleto is recorded for 2009–2021 (twelve years, citation noted). The programme has used formats such as The Newsround Debate, which involved presenters Ricky and Leah talking to groups of children about issues like bullying in front of an audience of 100 children; the final bulletin of the year was hosted by all presenters for a period up to 2019.
Conclusion
newsround continues to serve as a specialist BBC outlet that combines straightforward reporting with interactive features and multimedia formats. Its mix of website content, YouTube playlists and scheduled bulletins supports informed viewing by children and provides tools for discussion and emotional support. As digital consumption habits evolve, the service’s multi-platform approach—short bulletins on iPlayer, curated playlists and web interaction—will remain important for reaching young audiences in accessible ways.