Understanding Age Levels on PlayStation 4: A Comprehensive Guide
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) offers a vast library of games catering to a wide range of players, from young children to adults. To help parents and players make informed decisions about game suitability, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) provides a rating system. Understanding these ratings is crucial for ensuring age-appropriate gaming experiences. The PS4 itself also allows for parental controls that enable you to restrict games based on these ESRB ratings. Let’s break down the age levels on the PS4 and explore how to manage them effectively.
ESRB Ratings and PS4 Age Levels
The ESRB rating system categorizes games into several age-based levels, designed to indicate the type of content and its suitability for different age groups. These ratings are typically displayed on the front of game packaging. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant ESRB ratings, as outlined in the information provided:
- ESRB RP (Rating Pending): This means the game has been submitted to the ESRB for rating but has not yet received its final rating. This rating doesn’t indicate suitability, only that a final rating is in progress.
- ESRB EC (Early Childhood): Games with this rating are designed for very young children. Content will generally be educational and very mild.
- ESRB E (Everyone): Games rated “E” are generally suitable for persons ages 6 and older. These titles may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
- ESRB E10+ (Everyone 10+): Titles rated “E10+” have content that may be suitable for persons ages 10 and older. These games may feature more cartoon or fantasy violence, and may contain mild suggestive themes.
- ESRB T (Teen): Games with a “T” rating are generally suitable for persons ages 13 and older. These titles may contain violence, some blood, crude humor, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.
- ESRB M (Mature): Games rated “M” are intended for adults ages 17 and older. These titles may contain intense violence, blood and gore, strong language, mature sexual themes, and/or use of alcohol or drugs.
- ESRB AO (Adults Only): This is the highest rating, for games suitable only for adults aged 18 and older. Such games may feature explicit sexual content, graphic violence, and/or other content intended for adult audiences.
The PS4’s system allows for you to implement restrictions based on these ESRB levels to ensure children cannot access games that might be inappropriate.
How to Set Age Restrictions on Your PS4
The PS4 allows you to set up parental controls to restrict what types of games can be played based on their ESRB rating. Here’s how to adjust the age level settings on your PS4:
- From the Home screen, navigate to “Settings” and select it.
- Select “PS4 System Restrictions”.
- Choose “Default Parental Controls.”
- Select “Age Level for Games” and then choose the desired restriction level.
Remember that you can also set up a passcode to ensure no one can change your carefully configured parental control settings without authorization. Go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Account Management and select “Passcodes” to set this up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Age Levels on PS4
To further clarify the age-related aspects of the PS4, here are some frequently asked questions:
What is the Minimum Safe Age for a Child to Use a PS4?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of two should not engage in any screen time, and those between two and five should only look at a screen for up to one hour per day. While these recommendations are general, they’re a good guideline to keep in mind for overall well-being. The PlayStation Network itself stipulates that it is not for children younger than 7.
Is the PS4 suitable for a 5-year-old?
While some ESRB E (Everyone) rated games are considered suitable for children 6 and up, it is important to understand that each child is different, and maturity levels will vary. Direct supervision and selection of age appropriate games is paramount if you choose to allow a 5 year old to use the PS4. Consider the child’s individual needs and limitations regarding the use of technology.
Can a 7-Year-Old Play on a PS4?
The PlayStation Network states that children aged 7 to 17 can use the service, provided their parent or legal guardian accepts the terms. If your 7 year old is interested in a game that is rated E (Everyone), this would be the most suitable rating for them to play, but parental supervision and game selection is critical.
What is the youngest age for PS4 according to Sony?
Sony’s PlayStation Network is not designed for children under 7. If a child is between 7 and 17, a parent or legal guardian must agree to the terms of service for the child to use the network.
Is a PS4 Okay for a 9-Year-Old?
A 9-year-old can likely enjoy a variety of games on the PS4, provided they are rated ESRB E (Everyone) or ESRB E10+ (Everyone 10+). Parental supervision and careful selection of titles is always important to ensure that the content is suitable for the child’s maturity level.
What is Level 9 Parental Control on the PS4?
On the PS4 Parental Control setting under “Age Level for Games”, Level 9 corresponds to games suitable for players aged 18 and older (Approximation). This is the highest restriction level, and allows for all mature content.
Can My 10-Year-Old Play Fortnite on the PS4?
The ESRB rates Fortnite as “T” for Teen, meaning it’s recommended for ages 13 and up. While a 10-year-old might be drawn to the game, parents should be aware of the game’s action violence and open chat features. Carefully consider the content, and your child’s maturity level, before making the final decision to allow them to play.
Can My 11-Year-Old Play Fortnite on the PS4?
As with a 10-year-old, Fortnite is officially rated for 13 and up. The same concerns about action violence and open chat apply. Parental discretion is advised, and the game’s suitability for your 11 year old will vary based on their maturity and exposure to similar content.
Why Can’t My Child Play Fortnite on PS4?
If your child is under 13 (or the age of digital consent in their region), their account may have restrictions. Parental permission may be required to access certain content or features. Epic Games has introduced “Cabined Accounts” for kids with restrictions, requiring parental approval for full access.
Is Fortnite Okay for a 7 Year Old?
Common Sense Media recommends Fortnite for ages 13 and up due to action violence and open chat features. Therefore, Fortnite is generally not recommended for a 7-year-old.
Is Fortnite okay for a 5-Year-Old?
Fortnite is not suitable for a 5-year-old due to its “Teen” rating and mature themes. The game’s violence, complex mechanics, and open online interactions can be overwhelming and inappropriate for very young children.
How Do I Restrict YouTube on the PS4?
To restrict YouTube access on PS4, you’ll need to set up a passcode. This is done under Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Account Management and selecting “Passcodes”. This code will be required to access YouTube on the PS4.
How Can I Change My PS4 Account from Minor to Adult?
When a child member becomes eligible to upgrade to an adult account, they will receive a notification upon logging into the PSN. They can then follow the instructions on screen to upgrade their account or they can choose to do so later.
Does PlayStation Verify Age?
Yes, PlayStation does have age verification measures. This helps ensure users receive an age-appropriate gaming experience and helps protect younger users by enforcing relevant parental controls and restrictions.
Is Roblox safe for kids?
Roblox is a large gaming platform that allows users to create their own experiences. While popular, it’s not always safe for children. Issues can range from inappropriate content to cyberbullying and online predators. If children are using Roblox, parental oversight and awareness of the potential dangers are very important.
Conclusion
Understanding the ESRB rating system and the parental control features available on the PS4 is vital for ensuring that children have safe and appropriate gaming experiences. By using these tools, parents can manage their children’s access to games that are suitable for their age and maturity levels. Remember that these ratings are guidelines, and parents should always exercise discretion based on the individual needs of each child.