Configure PlayStation 5 and PS4 parental controls, including play time limits, spending restrictions, communication controls, and age-restricted content filters.
PlayStation consoles are popular with tweens and teens, offering online multiplayer, streaming, and a vast game library. Sony provides comprehensive parental controls through Family Management.
PlayStation is best suited for older children. Use strict controls for kids under 13 and gradually adjust based on maturity.
PlayStation parental controls work through a family structure:
You need a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to set up Family Management. Child accounts are free to create.
Sony's free PlayStation Family app (iOS and Android, launched in 2025) is now the easiest way to manage these controls from your phone—set play time limits, approve extra-time and restricted-game requests in real time, manage spending, and view activity reports.
If you don't have one, create an account at playstation.com or during console setup.
On PS5:
On PS4:
Or go to: playstation.com → Account Management → Family Management, or use the PlayStation Family app on your phone
Select "Add Family Member" → "Add a Child"
You'll need to:
After creating the child account, you'll immediately set up restrictions.
Set age-appropriate limits:
| Age Setting | Allowed Content |
|---|---|
| 3 | EC (Early Childhood) only |
| 7 | E (Everyone) and below |
| 10 | E10+ (Everyone 10+) and below |
| 13 | T (Teen) and below |
| 17 | M (Mature) and below |
| 18+ | All content |
This restricts games, apps, videos, and web content based on ESRB ratings (North America) or PEGI (Europe).
When a game is restricted:
The Family Manager can temporarily unlock restricted games by entering the system passcode.
Online safety is crucial. Configure these settings carefully:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Allow | Full communication with anyone |
| Friends Only | Can only communicate with accepted friends |
| Block | No communication at all |
For children under 13, set to "Block" or "Friends Only." Many online games have toxic voice chat environments.
Separately control who can send friend requests:
Options: Anyone, Friends of Friends, or No One
Configure:
You can set different limits for each day of the week—more time on weekends, less on school nights.
Options:
Use "Log Out" for younger children and "Notify Only" for responsible teens who can self-regulate.
Need to grant extra time? In Family Management, select your child and add bonus minutes without changing the regular schedule.
Set maximum monthly spending on PlayStation Store (0 to unlimited).
For younger children, set to $0 and manage all purchases yourself. This prevents unauthorized spending on games, DLC, and in-game currency.
Even with limits, children can spend funds added to their wallet. Control this by:
The Family Manager can require approval for all purchases:
The PS4 and PS5 include a web browser. To restrict:
Setting a young age level will block the browser. Alternatively:
Explicitly disable "Internet Browser."
Control whether others can see when your child is online:
Options: Anyone, Friends Only, No One
Never share real names online:
Set to "No One."
Control what activities (games played, trophies) are visible:
Consider setting to "Friends Only" or "No One."
These settings apply to everyone using the console:
Enable restrictions and set a passcode.
System restrictions prevent tech-savvy kids from creating new unrestricted accounts on the console.
Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ have their own parental controls:
YouTube doesn't inherit PlayStation age restrictions. Set up YouTube's Restricted Mode:
Use Netflix's profile system:
Remote Play lets users stream PS5/PS4 games to phones or PCs. If your child has Remote Play set up:
Consider disabling Remote Play for children:
VR has additional considerations:
Sony recommends VR for ages 12+. Consider disabling for younger children.
In Family Management, view:
Access via the PlayStation Family app or at playstation.com.
Sony can send weekly summaries of your child's activity to your email.
Your PlayStation is now configured for safe gaming. Use the PlayStation Family app or website to monitor and adjust settings anytime.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
