New PlayStation Family App Lets Parents Manage Kids’ Gaming Time

• Sony's PlayStation Family app lets parents manage children’s gaming time, spending, and content access directly from iOS or Android devices.

• Features include real-time game alerts, playtime extension approvals, age-based content filters, and social interaction controls for safer gaming.

• The app responds to growing concerns about kids’ screen time and online risks, aiming to make parental controls more accessible and practical.

Parental control tools have become a vital part of modern gaming as concerns over children’s screen time and exposure to online content increase. Sony Interactive Entertainment has introduced the PlayStation Family app, a new mobile application available on iOS and Android that allows parents to manage and monitor their children’s gaming on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles from anywhere.

The PlayStation Family app consolidates and expands upon existing console-based parental controls by moving them to a dedicated smartphone platform. Parents can now set daily playtime limits, get real-time notifications about what their children are playing, and approve requests for additional playtime remotely. The app also generates activity reports showing how much time children spend gaming and details on specific games played, giving parents better insight into their gaming habits.

Besides managing playtime, the app offers tools to control spending with monthly caps and balance tracking for purchases on the PlayStation Store. It also includes customizable content filters that can be adjusted with presets by age or tailored for each child. Social features are customizable too, allowing parents to limit who their children can communicate with or play alongside online.

Gaming habits among children have shifted dramatically in recent years. Studies show children spending up to several hours daily playing games or engaging with online content, raising concerns about the impact on their wellbeing. Although parental controls have existed on consoles for years, usage remains surprisingly low due to complexity or inconvenience. By placing control options on mobile devices, Sony addresses this gap, providing a more accessible and flexible way for parents to stay involved and maintain balance.

The launch of the PlayStation Family app reflects a wider industry push for safer, more transparent family gaming experiences. Sony plans to improve the app over time, responding to parent feedback to build features that address evolving safety and management needs. This new tool underscores Sony’s recognition that parental involvement is crucial in fostering a responsible gaming culture amid growing global use by younger audiences.