PlayStation: the parent’s guide
PS5 and PS4 family settings plus the communication controls that matter in multiplayer.
PlayStation Family Management
On your adult PlayStation account, Settings › Family and Parental Controls › Family Management.
Setup
- Add a child as a family member (requires their date of birth).
- Set an age-based preset.
- Configure spending limit (monthly).
- Communication: restricted to friends / off.
- User-Generated Media: blocked for younger kids.
- VR features: disable for under-13s.
PlayStation app on your phone
The phone app lets you monitor and adjust settings without being at the console. Install and link.
Real risks on PlayStation
- Party chat with strangers in lobby-based multiplayer games (Call of Duty, Fortnite cross-play).
- Gift card scams via PSN codes.
- Share Play allows another user to control the console remotely — disable for kids.
- Screenshots of private content being automatically uploaded via Auto-Upload — disable.
PS VR2
Sony’s VR headset has a recommended 12+ age range. For younger kids, avoid. For teens, apply the same age filter as the console; some VR experiences are 18+.
Common questions
How do I set up parental controls on a PS5?
On your adult account go to Settings › Family and Parental Controls › Family Management. Add your child as a family member with their date of birth, apply an age-based preset, then set a monthly spending limit and restrict communication to friends or off.
What are the real risks on PlayStation?
Party chat with strangers in lobby-based multiplayer such as Call of Duty and cross-play Fortnite; PSN gift-card scams; Share Play, which lets another user control the console remotely; and Auto-Upload, which can push screenshots of private content automatically. Disable the last two for children.
Is PS VR2 suitable for my child?
Sony’s own recommended age range is 12+, so avoid it for younger children. For teenagers, apply the same age filter as the console — some VR experiences are rated 18+ independently of the headset’s rating.
Can I manage PlayStation settings away from the console?
Yes. Install the PlayStation phone app and link it to your account — you can then monitor and adjust settings without needing to be at the console.