Spotify has introduced new tools that allow parents to set up and manage an account for children under the age of thirteen, setting parameters for what content the children will get access to. While only currently available in Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden, it seems likely that, after a pilot, the new controls will be rolled out around the world.
Unlike the existing Spotify Kids app that is already available in fourteen countries, which removes content deemed unsuitable for children, the new tools give parents more control over what their kids have access to via the Spotify app.
“As young listeners embark on a journey of music exploration”, the streaming service says, parents can use the new features so that kids “will get to enjoy many of the features and functionality that Spotify users know and love, including personalisation features that make music discovery on Spotify so exciting and unique”.
The new parental controls allow parents and guardians to oversee “the playback of Canvas, videos and content labeled as explicit”, as well as helping parents “decide whether a young listener can play certain artists or tracks”.
Like most digital platforms, Spotify is keen to be seen to be acting responsibly when it comes to children accessing content via its app. Earlier this year it joined the Tech Coalition, a tech industry initiative to “foster a safer online environment for young people" and published a guide for parents whose children use the streaming service.
At the time, Spotify’s Head Of Platform Integrity Marcelina Slota said, “Safety is a top priority for Spotify, which is why we want to make it easier for young people and parents to understand and navigate the digital world”.
The new tools are initially available to Spotify users with a family plan in Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden. “Spotify is committed to bringing the best listening experience to all our users, and that includes parents and families”, its statement continues.
In case parents currently on a standard premium account need another reason to upgrade to a family plan and set up a managed account for their children, Spotify’s statement also bigs up another benefit beyond being responsible and all that, which is that if your kids listen to Peppa Pig on repeat, it won’t pollute your recommendations.
Spotify says that “each account under the plan will have separate recommendations, and a young listener’s musical favorites won’t feed into the plan manager’s annual Wrapped results”.