Playstation Parental Controls

Prerequisite: a PlayStation family

I don’t own a PlayStation myself, but Sony uses the same family-based approach as Microsoft and Nintendo, so the principles you’ve already seen apply here too. One adult is the Family Manager, who creates the family group and adds each child as a child account; everything is then managed from that one parent account.

Before you start, set up (or sign in to) your own adult PlayStation Network (PSN) account as the Family Manager and – as with every account in this guide – turn on two-factor authentication and set a parental passcode/PIN so children can’t change the settings themselves.

Creating a child account

The easiest way is directly on the console:

• On the PS5, go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management.
• Select Add Family Member > Add a Child.
• The console shows a QR code – scan it with your phone to open a secure PlayStation page that walks you through the rest.
• You’ll need the child’s date of birth and an email address for their account, then you’ll set a password and the initial content, communication and spending settings.

(You can also do this from a web browser via Account Management on the PlayStation website, or from the PlayStation App.)

Setting the parental controls

PlayStation keeps this simple with three preset age levels – Child, Early Teens, and Late Teens and Older – that set sensible defaults automatically. You can then fine-tune:

• Play time limits – how long and at what times of day they can play, with auto-logout when time is up.
• Spending limits – cap spending in the PlayStation Store (purchases otherwise draw on the family wallet).
• Age level for games, apps and Blu-ray/DVD – blocks content above the rating you choose.
• Communication & user-generated content – whether they can chat with others and see/share messages (the setting most worth getting right for younger kids).
• Web browser access – turn the console browser on or off.

You can change any of this anytime from Family and Parental Controls, on the console or via the PlayStation website.