Is Shazam safe for kids? An honest Shazam review for parents.

Shazam is a mobile app that allows users to identify songs by holding their smartphone up to the music source. The app uses audio recognition technology to match the soundwave of the song to a database of millions of songs and display the title, artist, and album information within seconds. Shazam has been available for over a decade and is a popular tool for music lovers and party-goers who want to quickly find out what song is playing.

In terms of safety for kids, the app itself is not inherently dangerous. Shazam does not contain explicit content or inappropriate advertisements. However, as with any app or website, there are potential risks that parents should be aware of. Here are some of the potential dangers associated with Shazam:

In-app purchases: Shazam offers in-app purchases that allow users to upgrade to a premium version of the app, with features such as unlimited song recognition and no ads. Children may accidentally make these purchases, which can result in unwanted charges on their parents' credit card.

External links: Shazam often includes links to music streaming services, such as Spotify, or to purchase the song on iTunes. These links can lead children to inappropriate or dangerous websites if they accidentally click on them.

Personal information: Shazam requires users to create an account and provide personal information such as an email address and date of birth. This information can be used by third-party companies for marketing purposes, and children may not understand the implications of sharing their personal data.

Location tracking: Shazam uses the GPS on a smartphone to track the user's location. This information can be used to show users nearby concerts and events, but it can also be used to track their movements and share that information with third-party companies.

Social media integration: Shazam allows users to share their song identifications on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Children may not understand the privacy implications of sharing this information and may inadvertently reveal their location or other personal information.

To ensure that children are safe while using Shazam, it is important for parents to take the following steps:

Set up parental controls: Most smartphones have built-in parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to certain apps and websites. These controls can be used to limit access to Shazam and prevent children from making in-app purchases or visiting external links.

Monitor app usage: Parents should regularly check their children's smartphones to see which apps they are using and what they are doing within those apps. This will help parents stay informed about what their children are exposed to and can help identify any potential dangers.

Discuss privacy concerns: Children may not understand the implications of sharing their personal information or location with third-party companies. Parents should have a conversation with their children about the importance of privacy and help them understand how to protect their personal data.

Teach kids about digital literacy: Children should be taught about digital literacy and how to use the internet and apps safely. Parents should encourage their children to ask questions and seek help if they encounter anything they are unsure of while using Shazam or other apps.

In conclusion, Shazam is a safe app for kids when used responsibly. However, parents should be aware of the potential dangers associated with the app and take steps to ensure that their children are using it safely. By monitoring app usage, setting up parental controls, discussing privacy concerns, and teaching kids about digital literacy, parents can help keep their children safe while they enjoy the benefits of Shazam.

Bark lets you choose precisely how and when your child will use Shazam on their device — down to the exact minute. Set daily time limits or follow a schedule. This could look like “no Shazam during the school day” or “only 2 hours a day”

When it comes to online safety, Bark also lets you block websites and apps, create screen time schedules, and track location when your kid is out and about.