Sony’s new PlayStation Family app gives parents more control

Sony has rolled out a brand-new PlayStation Family app on iOS and Android, designed to give parents an easier way to manage their kids’ gaming on PS5 and PS4 consoles. The app is a full control centre where parents can set playtime limits, approve requests for more gaming, and even review weekly activity reports.

Parental controls and reports right in the pocket

Sony says the app comes with a guided setup so parents can easily create or adjust child accounts. Once running, it offers real-time notifications when a child boots up a game. Parents can instantly decide if they want to allow extra time, decline a request for restricted content, or just keep tabs on what’s being played.

The reporting tools also let parents see daily and weekly breakdowns of gaming habits without having to ask their kids.

The PlayStation Family app also lets parents monitor their child’s spending. Parents can top up balances, set monthly limits, and monitor purchases on the PlayStation Store – right on the app.

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Content filters are another big draw, with presets for different age groups and manual tweaks for families who want more flexibility. Social settings can also be locked down or adjusted, giving parents control over who their kids interact with online.

This launch brings PlayStation in line with Nintendo and Microsoft, which already have mobile apps that handle Switch and Xbox parental controls.

Cory Gasaway, VP of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, called the app the “next step” in the company’s efforts to promote safe play for all ages. The PlayStation Family app is available globally now on the App Store and Google Play Store.