Sony Interactive Entertainment has introduced the PlayStation Family App, a new mobile tool designed to give parents and guardians greater oversight over their children’s gaming activities on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Launched on September 10, 2025, and available for both iOS and Android devices, this app marks a significant step forward in fostering safe and balanced gaming environments for younger players.
The PlayStation Family App consolidates and expands the parental control features already available on Sony’s consoles, presenting them in an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface. Parents can now set daily playtime limits, restrict access to age-inappropriate games, and monitor their children’s gaming habits with ease. The app also introduces new tools, such as real-time notifications that alert parents to what their child is playing, allowing them to approve or deny requests for additional playtime directly from their smartphones.“
We’re committed to ensuring gaming is a safe and enjoyable experience for players of all ages,” said Cory Gasaway, Vice President of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “The PlayStation Family App empowers parents to tailor their child’s gaming experience with flexibility and precision, all from the convenience of their mobile device.”
One standout feature is the app’s guided onboarding process, which simplifies setting up a child’s PlayStation account. Parents receive detailed activity reports at the end of each day and week, offering insights into playtime patterns and helping them make informed decisions about screen time. Additionally, the app allows parents to manage spending by setting monthly limits on PlayStation Store purchases, ensuring children can’t overspend on games or in-game content.Privacy and online safety are also prioritized. Parents can customize settings to control how their child interacts with others online, from limiting communication to specific friends to restricting access to certain multiplayer features. These options aim to create a secure gaming environment tailored to each family’s values and needs.
The app has already garnered positive feedback from parents, who appreciate its user-friendly design and comprehensive controls. “It’s a game-changer,” said Maria Gonzalez, a parent from Chicago who tested the app. “I can see exactly what my kids are playing and set boundaries without needing to hover over their shoulders. It gives me peace of mind.”
Sony’s release comes at a time when digital parenting tools are increasingly in demand. As gaming continues to grow as a form of entertainment across generations, companies like Sony are responding to calls for more robust solutions to manage screen time and content exposure. The PlayStation Family App aligns with broader industry trends, where platforms are integrating family-oriented features to address concerns about gaming addiction and online safety.
Looking ahead, Sony plans to refine the app with regular updates based on user feedback. “This is just the beginning,” Gasaway noted. “We’re excited to evolve the PlayStation Family App to meet the needs of families worldwide.”The PlayStation Family App is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store, compatible with iOS 14 and Android 8 or higher. For parents seeking to balance gaming fun with responsible oversight, this app offers a thoughtful, accessible solution.
