Sony is stepping up its parental control game with the launch of a brand-new mobile app called PlayStation Family. Available for both iOS and Android, the app is designed to give parents more control and visibility over how their children play on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4—without needing to constantly hover over the console.

A Guided Start for Parents New to Gaming Apps

One of the standout features of PlayStation Family is its onboarding system. For parents who may not be tech-savvy or have never used similar tools before, the app walks them through the setup process step by step. Creating and managing a child's account is simple, and from the start, parents can set daily playtime schedules or place spending limits for online purchases. Both settings are flexible and can be changed later as kids grow older or gaming habits shift.

Playtime Requests and Real-Time Notifications

Kids aren't locked out completely—Sony knows gaming is about fun and negotiation. Children can send requests through the app asking for more playtime, which parents can approve or deny instantly. Parents also receive real-time notifications on gaming activities, along with daily and weekly reports that summarize what games their children are playing and for how long.

Age-Appropriate Gaming With Custom Filters

One of the most practical tools is the content filtering system. Parents can block access to games that are not suitable for their child's age. Sony has even included ready-made presets for different age groups, but everything can be fine-tuned for each individual child. And if kids feel a little left out, they can still send a request to play mature titles, leaving the final call to the parents.

Managing Social Interactions Online

Another interesting feature is the option to restrict online interactions. This means parents can control whether their children can chat or play with strangers—something many parents will welcome, especially given the sometimes-toxic environment of online lobbies. While Sony hasn't fully detailed the scope of these restrictions yet, it's clear that the company is aiming to give families more peace of mind.

A Growing App With More Features on the Way

Sony confirmed that PlayStation Family will continue to evolve, with additional features planned in future updates. For now, it already covers the essentials:

And the best part? It's free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Why This Matters for Parents

Parental controls aren't new in the gaming world, but the convenience of having everything in one dedicated app—accessible anytime, anywhere—makes a big difference. Parents don't need to dig through console menus or rely on third-party tools. Instead, PlayStation Family brings monitoring and flexibility straight to their phones, giving them control without spoiling the fun.