The ratings
How ratings work
Every SafeSong report reads the lyrics of a song against eight content categories, then turns that into one overall score and a clear verdict. Here’s exactly what the numbers mean.
The 0–5 content scale
0
None
Nothing in this category at all.
1
Very mild
A passing or metaphorical reference. Most classes wouldn’t notice.
2
Mild
Present but gentle — often worth knowing about, rarely a blocker.
3
Moderate
Clear enough that many teachers would want a say.
4
Strong
Strong content that most primary schools would avoid.
5
Explicit / significant
Explicit or significant content. Not for school use.
Overall verdicts
Great for school
Score 85–100
Play it with confidence in most school settings.
Teacher check recommended
Score 70–84
Fine in many settings, but give it a listen first.
Caution
Score 50–69
Some content most schools would rather avoid. Consider an alternative.
Probably avoid
Score 0–49
Content that would likely cause a problem at school.
Age suitability
Suitable
Comfortable for this year level with no special preparation.
Teacher discretion
Usually fine, but you know your class — have a listen first.
Not recommended
Better to choose something else for this year level.
The eight categories
Language
Swearing, offensive language, crude language or inappropriate phrases.
Sexual Content & Romance
Romantic themes, sexual references, suggestive or explicit content.
Drugs & Alcohol
Drinking, intoxication, smoking, vaping or drug use.
Violence
Violence, threats, weapons, fighting, death or graphic description.
Scary or Dark Themes
Disturbing imagery, fear, horror, suicide references or dark themes.
Hate & Discrimination
Slurs, homophobia, sexism, discriminatory or hateful content.
Mature Themes
Adult relationships, crime, trauma, mental health or heavy emotion.
Behaviour & Role Models
Dangerous, reckless, bullying or illegal behaviour teachers may not want modelled.
Why the setting matters
The same song can be fine in one place and awkward in another. Switching the setting on a report re-weights the same findings — a whole-school assembly is judged more strictly than a Year 8 classroom.
Classroom
Small group, teacher present and able to skip a track quickly.
School disco
Loud, mixed ages, lyrics are often only half heard.
Assembly / performance
Whole school and whānau listening — the strictest bar.
Intermediate
Years 7–8 — a little more latitude for mature themes.
Secondary
Older students — context and discussion can carry more.
A decision-support tool, not a decision
SafeSong reads lyrics quickly so you don’t have to. It can’t hear tone, video content or the room you’re standing in, and it can misread sarcasm or slang. Always apply your own professional judgement and your school’s expectations before you press play.
Check a track