Newsround: How CBBC Delivers News for Children

Introduction: Why Newsround matters

Newsround is the BBC’s dedicated news service for children, broadcast on CBBC and available online. It aims to explain current affairs, science and culture in an age-appropriate way. Accessibility and engagement are central: Newsround provides signed and subtitled versions, short themed videos and interactive options on its website and platforms such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube. For parents and educators, the programme is a key source of reliable, child-friendly journalism.

Main body: What Newsround offers

Programme format and segments

The Newsround homepage and CBBC output feature a mix of daily bulletins and short items across recurring strands. Regular segments include Strange News (the week’s odd stories), Happy News (uplifting items), Space News and Your Planet (environmental coverage). Other features range from the Big Question—examining science and facts—to Press Pack pieces that review films and events, such as coverage of the Wicked movie and a Minecraft Movie press pack interview.

Digital presence and accessibility

Newsround’s content is available on multiple platforms. Daily bulletins are signposted to BBC iPlayer, while a dedicated YouTube channel hosts playlists like Advice if you’re upset by the news, Happy News and Strange News. The service encourages audience participation through website votes and interactive quizzes such as a Space Week Quiz. The production also offers signed and subtitled videos to support accessibility for different audiences.

Presenters and special features

Over recent years Newsround has featured a mix of regular and stand-in presenters. Notable names in available records include Nazia Mogra (stand-in presenter, 2015–2020), Leah Boleto (2009–2021) and Martin Dougan (stand-in presenter, 2013–2022). Special formats have included The Newsround Debate, where presenters such as Ricky and Leah spoke with children about issues like bullying, and occasional specials such as the Up And Away Newsround special.

Conclusion: Continuing role and outlook

Newsround remains an important, child-centred source of news that combines short, themed videos with discussion and practical advice. Its multi-platform approach—broadcast, iPlayer, website and YouTube—helps it reach young audiences while accessibility features broaden inclusion. Going forward, Newsround is likely to continue prioritising clear explanation, audience engagement and varied short-format content to meet the needs of children and those who support them.