Netflix have become a tough competitor for BBC. Now BBC  stepping up its rivalry with Netflix and YouTube to win back teenage audiences by making box sets of bingeable “rite of passage” shows covering subjects such as sex education, cars and alcohol for a new teen section of BBC iPlayer.

The new programmes – two of which will be presented by YouTube vloggers – will be available on a new section on BBC iPlayer and – unlike other shows on the platform, which can only be accessed for up to 30 days – will remain there for up to five years.

British Broadcasting Corporation has  recently revealed  that more younger viewers are watching Netflix than all of its TV services, BBC Children’s head of content, Cheryl Taylor, said the proliferation of new platforms highlighted the gap in the choice of programmes available for those too old for children’s channels CBeebies and CBBC and too young for BBC3, which is aimed at 16- to 34-year-olds.

“You don’t see ordinary teens that much on the BBC or shows about those kind of coming-of-age, sensitive subjects, which are key at a really important time in children’s lives … it’s important we remain relevant to all children,” said Taylor. The BBC has traditionally been deterred from airing more grown-up programmes on CBBC – which is for 6- to 12-year-olds – and on iPlayer because, Taylor said, “we don’t want to upset children and show them inappropriate content”.

But new technology means only children over the minimum age of 13 who sign in to iPlayer will be able to access the new shows, which will be available in the autumn. They include I’m Not Driving That, a car show fronted by Alastair Aiken – better known as gaming vlogger Ali-A – and Mimi Tells it Straight: Everything You Need to Know About Sex, hosted by fellow YouTuber Mimi Missfit.

Other highlights range from summer-camp drama The A List, to Teen Taxi – a sort of Gogglebox meets Car Share real-life series that “will shine a humorous and engaging light on the conversations had between teenagers and their parents as they travel in their family cars”.

Also on offer is a “junior Panorama”-style documentary series covering subjects such as teenagers emerging from foster care, boys becoming men, and life in eco-communities. CBBC doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken will front special programmes on mental health and alcohol.