Adults have been getting excited about “second-screen” TV apps for a while now, whether it’s viewers using Twitter and Facebook while watching, or dedicated apps like Zeebox designed to be used on the sofa.

How about children’s TV? There haven’t been many second-screen apps for that, but we think we’ll see more in 2014. And British broadcaster the BBC is getting in early with its “play-along gameshow” Ludus, on its CBBC channel.

The idea: children can use the show’s iOS or Android app to play along with its young contestants while they watch, whether it’s live on TV or on catch-up via the Beeb’s iPlayer service.

The app works by listening out for (inaudible to us) signals embedded in the broadcast, to help it synchronise its seven games with the ones being shown on the telly.

It’s an interesting idea: giving children the chance to outdo the on-screen contestants, which should play into the competitive nature of kids who think they can do better.

“Our new fantasy adventure game allows viewers who prefer a more immersive experience to join in the fun and play along at home,” said CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor as the apps were launched, although she stressed that “Ludus is compelling and charismatic with a big thrill factor for those who just want to view too”.

That’s quite an important point: developing a TV show that relies on viewers having a tablet or smartphone to hand is an extremely risky move, especially for the public-funded BBC, as it would shut out children who don’t have access to a device – in its announcement of the apps, the Beeb quoted a recent report suggesting that half of 8-11 year-olds here in the UK now have access to a mobile phone, while 44% can access a tablet.

We haven’t managed to watch Ludus yet and try the app – it started airing this Monday – but we’re intrigued to see how it works, and whether it’s successful enough for more apps to follow from the BBC and other broadcasters in the future.

Ludus is a free download for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, and a free download for Android on the Google Play store.

Read about more BBC apps for kids on Apps Playground, and check out our 100 Best iPad Apps of 2013 e-book – £1.99 from Apple’s iBooks Store