Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially launched the PlayStation Family app, bringing comprehensive parental controls directly to iOS and Android devices starting today. This dedicated mobile application represents the company’s latest effort to enhance safe gaming experiences for children while giving parents more control and visibility over their kids’ PlayStation activities.
Those who want to easily limit the game time of their children (we all should), would want to pay attention and give this a go. And there are other things you can manage with the new app too.
The PlayStation Family app addresses a growing need for parents who want to manage their children’s gaming habits without being tied to the console itself. Parents can now handle everything from playtime limits to spending controls right from their smartphone or tablet, making family gaming management more accessible than ever.
Key features of the PlayStation Family app include guided onboarding that simplifies the process of setting up child accounts. The system walks parents through each step, ensuring proper configuration without technical headaches. Real-time notifications keep parents informed about what games their children are currently playing, while also allowing them to approve or decline requests for extra playtime or access to restricted content directly from their mobile device.
The activity reporting system provides daily and weekly overviews of gaming habits, giving parents clear insights into their child’s PlayStation usage patterns. This data helps families make informed decisions about gaming time and ensures children maintain healthy gaming routines.
Playtime management has been significantly enhanced with flexible scheduling options. Parents can set different time limits for each day of the week, accommodating varying family schedules. When children want additional gaming time, they can request it directly from the console, and parents receive immediate notifications to approve or deny these requests remotely.
Spending controls have also been streamlined through the app. Parents can add funds to their child’s PlayStation wallet, monitor current balances, and establish monthly spending limits for PlayStation Store purchases. This feature helps families manage gaming expenses while teaching children about responsible spending habits.
Content filtering receives particular attention in the PlayStation Family app, with preset configurations that automatically apply age-appropriate restrictions based on different age groups. These presets can be further customised individually to match each family’s specific preferences and values regarding gaming content.
Social interaction controls allow parents to manage how their children connect and communicate with other players online. These privacy settings can be adjusted to ensure children interact safely within the PlayStation gaming environment while still enjoying multiplayer experiences appropriate for their age group. This is something that we are always scared of – having our kids talking to random strangers online (who may or may not have bad behaviours).
The PlayStation Family app builds upon existing parental control features already available on PS5 and PS4 consoles, including playtime settings and age restriction controls for games. This mobile expansion makes these tools more convenient and accessible for busy parents who need to manage gaming controls while away from home.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has indicated this launch represents just the beginning of their mobile parental control initiative. The company plans to continue adding enhancements and new features to the PlayStation Family app based on user feedback and evolving family gaming needs.
The PlayStation Family app is available for download from both the App Store and Google Play Store in most global markets starting today, with worldwide availability continuing to expand.
