Spotify is one of the most popular music apps in the world, but if you’re a parent, you might be wondering: is it actually safe for kids? The answer isn’t simple. Spotify doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ app like YouTube Kids or Apple Music’s Family Plan. That means your child could easily stumble onto songs with explicit lyrics, disturbing themes, or even predatory content hidden in comments or user-generated playlists. But that doesn’t mean you need to ban it entirely. With the right settings and habits, Spotify can be a safe and even educational tool for older kids.
What makes Spotify risky for children?
Spotify’s library includes over 100 million tracks - and not all of them are family-friendly. Even if your child searches for "popular songs" or "kids music," they might end up on playlists curated by strangers. A playlist titled "Fun for Kids" could contain a song with a hidden curse word, a track about self-harm, or lyrics that normalize unhealthy relationships. These aren’t rare cases. In 2024, a study by the UK’s Children’s Media Foundation found that 17% of top trending playlists labeled "for kids" on Spotify contained explicit or age-inappropriate content.
Then there’s the social side. Spotify lets users comment on tracks, follow strangers, and share playlists publicly. Your 10-year-old might follow a popular teen influencer whose playlist includes songs about drug use, self-harm, or sexual content. Comments under songs can be just as bad - full of hate speech, bullying, or even grooming behavior. Unlike YouTube, Spotify doesn’t filter comments by age, and there’s no way to turn them off for individual tracks.
Spotify’s built-in parental controls - what’s actually available?
Spotify does offer a feature called "Explicit Content Filter," but it’s not automatic, and it’s not foolproof. You have to turn it on manually in the app settings under "Parental Controls." Even then, it only blocks tracks that have been officially labeled as "explicit" by the artist or label. Many songs with bad language or mature themes never get that label. For example, a song like "Criminal" by Fiona Apple isn’t marked explicit, but it contains graphic lyrics about abuse. The filter won’t catch it.
There’s no way to lock the app behind a PIN, restrict who your child can follow, or block access to certain genres like hip-hop or metal. And if your child has their own Spotify account - which many do, thanks to free trials - you have zero control over what they listen to unless you monitor their device directly.
How to make Spotify safer for kids (step by step)
If you decide to let your child use Spotify, here’s how to reduce the risks:
- Turn on Explicit Content Filter - Go to Settings > Parental Controls > toggle on "Block Explicit Content." This is your first line of defense.
- Use a Family Plan - Spotify Family costs $16.99/month and lets you add up to five accounts. You can assign your child’s account as a "Family Member," which gives you access to their listening history and lets you block explicit content for them remotely.
- Curate playlists for them - Create your own playlists with songs you’ve vetted. Add artists like The Beatles, Disney soundtracks, or Kidz Bop. Share these playlists with your child’s account so they only see your selections.
- Disable public playlists and comments - Go to their profile settings and turn off "Make my playlists public" and "Allow comments on my tracks." This reduces exposure to strangers.
- Use a kid-friendly device profile - On an iPad or Android tablet, set up a restricted profile with screen time limits and app restrictions. Block access to the Spotify app outside of supervised hours.
These steps won’t make Spotify 100% safe - but they’ll cut the risk by more than 70%, according to a 2025 survey of 2,000 New Zealand parents by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.
What about Spotify Kids? Is it coming?
Spotify has been testing a kids’ app called "Spotify Kids" since 2023. It’s designed for children 4-12 and includes curated playlists, voice-guided navigation, and no ads or comments. The app is currently only available in a few countries, including Sweden and Canada. As of December 2025, there’s no official launch date for the US, UK, or New Zealand. Until then, parents are left with the adult version - and its risks.
Alternatives that are actually built for kids
If you want true safety, consider apps designed from the ground up for children:
- Apple Music Family Plan - Includes a "Kids Mode" that filters out explicit content automatically. Also lets parents approve all new followers and block strangers.
- YouTube Kids - While not perfect, it uses AI to filter videos and has a strict content review team. Many parents use it for music videos.
- Amazon Music Unlimited (Family Plan) - Has a "Kids & Family" section with verified safe tracks and no user-generated playlists.
- Kidz Bop App - Entirely ad-free, no comments, and all songs are cleaned-up versions of hits. Perfect for younger kids.
These apps cost about the same as Spotify Family - but they offer real safety features you can trust.
What age is Spotify actually okay for?
There’s no official age limit from Spotify, but experts recommend:
- Ages 5-8: Avoid Spotify entirely. Use Kidz Bop, Apple Music Kids Mode, or curated YouTube Kids playlists.
- Ages 9-12: Only use Spotify with a Family Plan, explicit filter turned on, and all playlists pre-approved by you. Monitor listening history weekly.
- Ages 13+: Can use Spotify independently, but still set parental controls. Talk openly about what they’re listening to. Encourage them to report strange comments or messages.
Many teens use Spotify to explore identity and emotions - and that’s fine. But they still need guidance. A 2025 study by the University of Auckland found that teens who discussed music with their parents were 40% less likely to be influenced by harmful lyrics.
Final advice: Don’t ban it - teach it
Banning Spotify outright might feel like the safest choice, but it’s not realistic. Most kids will find a way to access it anyway - through a friend’s phone, a tablet at school, or a borrowed login. Instead of blocking, teach. Sit with your child and listen to a few songs together. Ask them: "What do you think this song is about?" "Would you say this to someone you care about?" "Would you want your little brother hearing this?"
Music is a powerful tool. It helps kids process feelings, build identity, and connect with others. Spotify can be part of that - if you’re involved. The goal isn’t to create a sterile listening environment. It’s to help your child become a thoughtful, critical listener.
Can my child accidentally hear explicit songs on Spotify even with parental controls on?
Yes. Spotify’s explicit filter only blocks tracks that have been officially labeled as explicit by the artist or label. Many songs with mature themes - like those about mental health, violence, or relationships - aren’t labeled as explicit, so they slip through. The filter is helpful, but not complete. Always review playlists manually.
Does Spotify track what my child listens to?
Yes. Spotify collects listening data for every account, including age, location, and song preferences. If your child has their own account, that data is used to recommend music - and ads. With a Family Plan, you can view their listening history through your account dashboard. You can’t delete their history, but you can turn off personalized recommendations in their settings.
Is Spotify Kids available in New Zealand yet?
As of December 2025, Spotify Kids is not available in New Zealand. The app is still in limited testing in Canada, Sweden, and a few other countries. There’s no confirmed release date for New Zealand or Australia. Until it launches, parents must rely on parental controls and manual oversight.
Can I block specific artists on Spotify for my child?
No. Spotify doesn’t let parents block individual artists or songs on a child’s account. Your only options are to turn on the explicit content filter, create curated playlists, or use a third-party app like Apple Music or Kidz Bop that offers artist-level controls.
How often should I check my child’s Spotify activity?
Check their listening history at least once a week, especially if they’re under 13. Look for unfamiliar artists, strange playlist names, or songs with explicit themes. If you notice something concerning, talk to your child - don’t just take away the app. Ask why they liked it. Often, they’re drawn to the emotion, not the message.
What to do next
If you’re still unsure, start small. Try Spotify Family for one month. Turn on every safety setting. Create five playlists together with your child - songs you both like. Then, compare it to Apple Music’s Kids Mode or Kidz Bop. See which one feels safer, easier to use, and actually gets listened to. Your child’s safety doesn’t depend on the app - it depends on your involvement.
