Sony has launched the PlayStation Family app for Android and iOS, giving parents a new way to control their kids" PlayStation gaming experience. The company announced that the app is now available for all users globally.
PlayStation Family allows parents to access various parental control options directly from their mobile device. They can see an activity report, check on what the kids are playing, or approve extra playtime requests.
In addition to playtime requests, the app displays real-time push notifications for parents to approve requests for restricted games. Activity Reports provide an overview of the time kids spend on their PS console on a daily and weekly basis.
PlayStation Family allows parents to set playtime limits for each day of the week. While kids can buy content from the PlayStation Store, the app includes options to manage spending activity, such as adding funds, viewing balances, and putting a monthly cap on spending.
If multiple kids use the same PS console, parents can create separate profiles in the app to manage their individual playtime and spending.
There is no dearth of mature-rated games that may include graphic violence, criminal activities, adult content, or strong language. However, parents can protect their kids" well-being and prevent them from getting exposed to content inappropriate for their age.
PlayStation Family app comes with customizable content filters, as well as presets that automatically apply recommended settings for different age groups, Sony explained in a blog post. Parents can also put guardrails when their kids try to access online features like voice chat and user-generated content, while making exceptions for specific games.
Parental controls aren"t a new addition for PS consoles, and the PlayStation Family app includes the current features available on the PS5 and PS4 consoles. These controls were previously accessible directly on the consoles and through the PlayStation website.
You can download the PlayStation Family app for your device from the App Store or Google Play. While some users are praising Sony for the move, some are questioning why family management features weren"t baked into the existing PlayStation app. Moreover, PlayStation still lacks the family sharing features like the ones introduced in Steam Families, where members of a single family group can share games irrespective of the device.