Spotify is a music streaming service that allows users to listen to their favourite songs, create playlists, and discover new music. With suitable boundaries, Spotify can be a great option for parents who want kids to be entertained without having to worry about what they are listening to. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of Spotify and its parental controls.
Does Spotify have parental controls?
Yes, Spotify does have parental controls. You can set up a family account that will allow parents to limit what their children can listen to on the app. This includes setting up age restrictions and explicit content filters. You can also see what your children are listening to on Spotify and add songs to their playlists.
The Blend feature allows the creation of a song playlist that everyone in the family will enjoy. You can also set up a PIN code that allows you to block and unblock certain songs, so they don’t appear on the feeds of your kids’ accounts.
Is Spotify appropriate for my child?
The answer to this question depends on your child and what they are interested in. The recommended age for Spotify is 13+. If your child is younger, you might want to look at Spotify Kids, which is aimed at children aged 12 and under and is available through a premium family subscription.
If your child is over the age of 12, they can create their own Spotify account and you won't be able to see what they are listening to. You can still use the Blend feature to create a playlist of songs that everyone in the family can enjoy.
If your child enjoys music, then Spotify can provide access to millions of songs and allows them to create their own playlists. However, you may wish to use parental controls to ensure they're listening to appropriate content.
Should you control what your kids listen to on Spotify?
This is entirely up to you. Some parents prefer to have a family account and set up parental controls so they can see what their children are listening to. Others may trust their children to make appropriate choices and let them create their own Spotify accounts. If you decide to let your child create their own Spotify account, then you might want to talk to them about what content is appropriate for them to listen to.
If you'd like to monitor your children's Spotify use on mobile devices, you can also use apps to monitor your children's phone usage.
What are Premium Family and Spotify Kids?
Spotify Premium Family is a subscription that allows up to six family members living in the same residence to have their own Spotify account. It costs £16.99 per month and comes with many features, such as:
- Explicit content filters
- Age restrictions
- The ability to see what your children are listening to
- The Blend feature for creating a playlist of songs that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Spotify Kids is an app that is designed for children in two age brackets – 6 and under and from 5 to 12. It has age-appropriate content aimed at the age groups, such as:
- Songs
- Stories
- Podcasts
- Soundtracks from appropriate films.
What are the risks my child will face if I leave Spotify unrestricted?
If you decide not to use parental controls and leave your child's Spotify account unrestricted, there are a few potential risks. One of the main risks is being exposed to age-inappropriate music. There are songs on Spotify that contain profanity and references to violence which could upset or confuse your child. Another risk is that your child could add inappropriate songs to their own playlist that other members of your family would be able to access, including younger siblings.
How to set up restrictions on Spotify
If you're a parent, you may be concerned about the content your kids are listening to on Spotify. Luckily, there's a way to set up restrictions on what they can access. Here's how:
- First, open the Spotify app and log in. Then, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen to access the Settings menu.
- Next, scroll down to the Account section and click on Premium Family. Here, you'll be able to add family members and set restrictions for each one.
- To set restrictions, click on the edit icon next to your child's name. Then, select the Restrictions option and choose which content you want to block.
- Finally, click Save to apply your changes.
Now, your child will only be able to listen to the content that you've allowed. This is an effective way to make sure they're not exposed to certain types of music.
You can also use parental control apps for iPhone and Android to help keep your child safe on their mobile phone when they want to use the app.
What to consider if your child uses a shared device for Spotify
If your child uses a shared device for Spotify, there are a few factors you'll need to consider. First, you'll need to make sure that the parental controls are turned on for all devices that have access to Spotify. This way, you can be sure that your child is only listening to appropriate content.
Second, you'll need to decide whether you want to allow your child to create their own Spotify account. If you decide to let them have their own account, it may be worthwhile to discuss what content is appropriate for them to listen to.
Finally, you may want to monitor your child's activity on Spotify. This means periodically checking their playlists and listening history to see what they're listening to.
Learn more about GoHenry’s parental controls
Spotify is a fun and convenient way for kids to listen to music, but it's important for parents to be aware of the content their children are consuming. By setting up parental controls and monitoring your child's activity, you can ensure they're listening to music appropriate for their age.
For added security, you can combine this with the parental controls found on GoHenry's kids' debit card and app.
These allow you to set spending limits and track your child's purchasing activity on Spotify – and other apps – to help create a safe environment for them online. To learn more about GoHenry's parental controls here.
