Sony has launched a new mobile app called PlayStation Family, now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Unlike the main PlayStation app, this isn’t about managing your games or friends list — it’s focused entirely on parental controls.
The app is designed for parents who want more oversight of their child’s PlayStation activity without needing to log into a console. It supports both PS4 and PS5 and works on devices running Android 8.0 or later, as well as iOS.
Through the PlayStation Family app, parents can:
- Create or manage a child’s PlayStation Network account.
- Monitor what games are being played, when sessions start, and how long they last.
- Set daily or weekly playtime limits.
- Apply content filters to restrict age-inappropriate games.
- Control spending by managing PlayStation Wallet funds.
- Receive notifications when their child requests extra playtime or tries to access restricted content.
Most of these features already existed in some form within the PlayStation console menus, but the app consolidates them into one place for easier access. The addition of real-time notifications makes it easier for parents to respond quickly to requests or monitor activity without being in the same room as the console.
For households with younger gamers, the app could prove useful, especially with popular titles like Fortnite or Robloxwhere playtime can quickly add up. For players without children, though, the app has little practical use — it’s squarely aimed at parents who want to set boundaries and keep tabs on their kids’ gaming habits.
