Sony has launched a new app called PlayStation Family, now available on iOS and Android, to help parents manage how their kids use PlayStation consoles.
The app puts all of the parental controls in one place, allowing parents to set limits, monitor activity, and adjust settings from their phone instead of the console.
In videos shared by Sony, the app’s features are demonstrated in action. One clip shows a guided setup that walks parents through creating a child account step by step. Another video highlights real-time notifications, where parents get an alert as soon as their child requests more playtime or tries to access a restricted game. From there, they can approve or decline instantly from their phone.
Sony also showed how the app can generate activity reports, breaking down how much time kids spend gaming each day or week. In another demo, parents are seen setting daily playtime limits, while children can send requests directly from the console if they want extra time. Spending controls were also showcased, giving parents the ability to add funds, set monthly limits, and keep track of balances on the PlayStation Store.
Additional videos demonstrated how parents can filter games based on age ratings, either using presets or customizing restrictions for their child. Privacy and social interaction settings are also part of the app, giving parents the ability to decide how and with whom their kids can play online.
Sony said this is “just the beginning” for PlayStation Family, and the company plans to continue updating the app with more features over time. Until your kids can manage screen time on their own, these apps drop the hammer when little Billy just can’t stop playing Grow a Garden.
The PlayStation Family app requires iOS 14 or later and Android 8 or later. It’s now available for download—check out the links below:
We’re surprised it took Sony this long to release a parent controls app. Xbox has had an app like this for a while now (since 2021), known as the Xbox Family Settings app.
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