PlayStation Parental Controls & Safety Guide
Complete guide to setting up parental controls on PlayStation consoles (PS5/PS4) to keep children safe while gaming.
PlayStation consoles (PS5 and PS4) are among the most popular gaming platforms for children and teenagers in the UK. Sony provides comprehensive parental controls through the PlayStation Family Management system, allowing parents to restrict games by age rating, limit online interactions, control spending, and manage play time. The built-in web browser and streaming apps also require consideration.
Main risks
- • Playing games with content unsuitable for their age (violence, mature themes)
- • Communicating with strangers through voice chat and messaging in online multiplayer games
- • Making unauthorised purchases on the PlayStation Store using stored payment methods
- • Exposure to toxic behaviour, bullying, or grooming in online gaming communities
Initial setup steps
Set up your adult PSN account as Family Manager
Ensure you have a PlayStation Network account and are signed in on the console. Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management. Your account becomes the Family Manager.
Create a child account
In Family Management, select 'Add Family Member' > 'Add a Child'. Enter your child's date of birth and create their account. Set a password for their account and configure a system restriction passcode.
Set age ratings and communication restrictions
Select your child's account in Family Management and go to Parental Controls. Set the age level for games to match your child's age. Configure communication restrictions — for children under 13, restrict all communication with other players.
Configure spending limits and play time
Set a monthly spending limit (£0 for young children). Optionally, configure play time restrictions to set daily time limits and a notification or automatic log-off when time is up.
Parental control settings
Family Management Child Account
Location: Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management (PS5) or Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management (PS4)
Recommended: Create a child account linked to your adult PSN account
A child account under your Family Management allows you to set age-appropriate restrictions. Children under 18 should never use an adult account, as this bypasses all parental controls.
Age Rating Restrictions
Location: Family Management > Child's account > Parental Controls > Age Level for Games
Recommended: Set to match your child's age using PEGI ratings
Restricts which games your child can play based on PEGI age ratings (3, 7, 12, 16, 18). Games above the set rating cannot be started, even if already installed.
Communication and User-Generated Content
Location: Family Management > Child's account > Parental Controls > Communication and User-Generated Content
Recommended: Restrict for younger children; allow with oversight for teenagers
Controls whether your child can send and receive messages, voice chat, and view content created by other players. Restricting this prevents contact from strangers.
Monthly Spending Limit
Location: Family Management > Child's account > Parental Controls > Monthly Spending Limit
Recommended: Set a specific monthly limit or £0 for younger children
Caps how much your child can spend on the PlayStation Store each month. Set to £0 to prevent any purchases, or set a reasonable allowance for older children.
Age recommendations
Set PEGI age rating to 7. Restrict all communication with other players. Set spending limit to £0. Use play time controls to limit daily gaming to 1-2 hours. Only allow carefully chosen games.
Set PEGI age rating to 12. Consider allowing communication in specific games you have vetted. Set a modest spending limit. Maintain play time limits, especially on school nights.
Set PEGI age rating to 16. Allow broader communication but discuss online safety. Set a reasonable monthly spending limit. Use play time notifications rather than automatic log-off.