Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched a new iOS and Android mobile app for its PlayStation game console that allows parents and guardians to manage their child’s playtime on PS5 and PS4. The app—PlayStation Family—is now available for download on Google Play Store and Apple Play Store.
Meanwhile, it's worth noting that parents and guardians already have a means of controlling their child’s playtime but it can only be done through the PlayStation game station. However, this new family app gives parents more centralized control to set limits and keep track over their children's gaming time.
The amazing feature of the app is that parents don't need to come close to the game console anymore to control their child's playtime. The Family app now offers controls to the game console remotely. In addition to that, parents can now get activity reports directly on the app and have the ability to deny or grant additional playtime requests.
Furthermore, PlayStation Family app comes with onboarding features that allows parents to enroll every child's account so that parents can manage each child's account separately. For example, you could allow older children more playtime while reducing playtime for those below the recommended age.
In addition to time management, the app allows for the customization of content restrictions based on age ratings, ensuring that children can only access age-appropriate games and media.
Parents can also manage child's monthly spending limit on PlayStation store, and receive requests for additional funds—which they can either approve or deny.
Furthermore, the app offers control over social features, enabling guardians to manage who their children can communicate with and what content they can share. This includes the ability to approve or deny requests to join parties or play online with other users.
The parental control through mobile app is not first seen with PlayStation. Nintendo Switch and Microsoft's Xbox have already explore this feature. Both game companies also offer dedicated parental control apps for iOS and Android that lets parents manage playtime.
The PlayStation Family app is launched for the purpose of making parental controls (such as setting and adjusting which were previously only accessible through the console's settings menu) seamless.
Launching the parental control on app will not only follow market trend which Microsoft and Nintendo have already implemented, but will also provide a more convenient and real-time solution for families to ensure a safe and balanced gaming environment for their children.
