Sony has introduced a new PlayStation Family app for iOS and Android, designed to give parents more tools to manage their children’s gaming on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The app expands on existing console-based parental controls by offering a more accessible and flexible way for parents to monitor and guide their children’s playtime.
New features for greater control
According to a blog post from PlayStation, the app comes with several customisable features that allow parents to manage better how and when their children play. Among these is an activity report, which provides parents with more visibility into the games their children are playing and how much time they spend on them.
The app also allows children to send requests for additional playtime, which parents can either approve or decline directly from their mobile devices. This functionality aims to make communication between parents and children around gaming limits easier and more transparent.
Managing accounts and spending
The PlayStation Family app includes an onboarding process to help parents set up child accounts quickly and smoothly. Once a child’s account is created, parents can use the app to manage spending limits on the PlayStation Store, helping to ensure that purchases are supervised and within budget.
In addition, the app gives parents the ability to adjust privacy settings for their children. These settings control who can interact with a child online, what information is shared, and the level of exposure to other players on the PlayStation Network.
By moving these controls onto a mobile app, Sony aims to make parental management more convenient and accessible, eliminating the need for parents to log into the console itself.
Competition from Nintendo and Microsoft
PlayStation’s move follows similar offerings from other gaming companies. Both Nintendo and Microsoft already provide dedicated parental control apps for their consoles. Nintendo’s app supports the Switch, while Microsoft’s version is available for the Xbox platform. These apps also allow parents to manage playtime and ensure responsible gaming habits.
With the launch of the PlayStation Family app, Sony is aligning itself with competitors in recognising the importance of parental involvement in gaming. The new app reflects a broader industry trend towards giving families better tools to manage screen time, spending, and online interactions in an increasingly digital environment.
As gaming continues to play a central role in entertainment, parental control apps are becoming an essential part of the experience, helping to balance fun and responsibility.
