Sony has rolled out a new PlayStation Family App, giving parents more tools to manage their children’s gaming habits right from their phones. Available on both iOS and Android, the app complements existing parental controls on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles but adds more mobility and oversight.
PlayStation Family App Adds Real-Time Controls
Billed as a “dedicated parental control mobile app,” Sony’s new tool offers a full dashboard for managing kids’ playtime. It allows parents to:
- Set daily or weekly time limits
- Get real-time notifications about what their child is playing
- Approve or deny requests for more playtime
- Block specific games or content
- Create and manage child accounts quickly
The onboarding process is designed to be parent-friendly, guiding users through account setup and safety options from the start.
Mario Switch 2 game leak suggests a 3D platformer could be announced during the next Nintendo Direct on September 12.
PlayStation Family App: Spending and Content Filters Included
The PlayStation Family App goes beyond just time limits. Parents can also monitor and control spending through the app, with features to:
- Add funds to the child’s wallet
- Set monthly spending limits
- Track balance and transaction history
There’s also a selection of presets that automatically apply content filters by age group, plus options to fine-tune store access and game moderation settings. This means parents can easily remove or restrict certain titles based on personal preferences or ratings.
Weekly Reports and Flexible Moderation
One standout feature is the weekly activity report. The app tracks how much time kids spend playing, lists the games they play, and notes any requests they make for extra time.
And everything can be handled without touching the console straight from a phone or tablet.
Available Now with More Features Coming
Sony says the app is now live in most markets worldwide and plans to expand its features “over time.” That includes more granular controls and updates based on user feedback.
In a time when digital safety is under growing scrutiny, especially with platforms like Roblox facing legal challenges, Sony’s move signals a broader commitment to giving parents more visibility and authority in their kids’ gaming lives.
