Is There a Parental Control App for PS5? A Comprehensive Guide for Concerned Parents

Yes, while there isn’t a standalone “parental control app” specifically for the PS5 in the way you might find for mobile devices, the PlayStation ecosystem provides robust parental control features accessible through various means, including the PlayStation App and web browser on PC or smartphone. These features allow parents and guardians to effectively manage their children’s gaming experience on the console. Sony has integrated the management of children’s accounts directly into the PlayStation Network (PSN) infrastructure, providing a centralized and flexible approach to family management and parental supervision. Let’s explore the available options and functionalities in detail.

Understanding PS5 Parental Control Options

The PS5 offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls designed to ensure a safe and age-appropriate gaming environment for children. These controls are accessible through several avenues:

• PS5 Console Settings: The most direct method is through the console itself. Navigating to Settings > Family and Parental Controls allows you to manage family members, set spending limits, control playtime, and restrict content.
• Web Browser (PC or Smartphone): You can access the same parental control settings by logging into your PlayStation Network account through a web browser on your computer or mobile device. This offers convenience and flexibility.
• PlayStation App: The PlayStation App provides a mobile-friendly interface for managing parental controls and monitoring your child’s activity. This lets you remotely oversee playtime, adjust settings, and communicate with your child on the PlayStation Network.
• Bark: You can use Bark to manage screen time and filter websites on all of the internet-connected devices in your house, including gaming consoles, like PlayStation.

Key Parental Control Features on PS5

The parental control features on the PS5 are extensive and customizable. Here’s a breakdown of the most important options:

• Play Time Management: Set daily or weekly playtime limits for your child’s account. You can customize the schedule based on weekdays and weekends, ensuring a balance between gaming and other activities.
• Game Restrictions: Control the games your child can play based on age ratings. The PS5 uses a robust age rating system, and you can block access to games deemed inappropriate for their age.
• Communication Restrictions: Limit or disable your child’s ability to communicate with other players on the PlayStation Network. This can help protect them from potential online interactions with strangers.
• Spending Limits: Manage your child’s spending on the PlayStation Store. You can set monthly spending limits or require your approval for all purchases.
• Content Filtering: Filter content based on age appropriateness. This can include movies, TV shows, and other media available through the PlayStation Store.
• PS5 Console Restrictions: Restrict the use of certain console features, such as creating new user accounts or accessing the internet browser.
• Family Management: The Family Management feature allows you to designate family managers who can oversee parental controls for all child accounts within the family.
• Activity Reporting: Monitor your child’s activity on the PlayStation Network, including the games they play, the time they spend gaming, and their interactions with other players.

Setting Up Parental Controls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up parental controls on your PS5 is a straightforward process:

1. Create a Child Account: If your child doesn’t already have a PlayStation Network account, you’ll need to create one for them. This can be done through the PS5 console, a web browser, or the PlayStation App. You’ll need to provide their date of birth and an email address.
2. Access Family Management: As the family manager (the adult account), go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management.
3. Select the Child Account: Choose the child account you want to manage.
4. Adjust Parental Control Settings: Here, you can customize all the parental control settings mentioned above, including playtime limits, game restrictions, communication restrictions, and spending limits.
5. Set a Console Restriction Passcode: To prevent your child from changing the parental control settings, set a console restriction passcode.

Third-Party Solutions and Network-Level Controls

While Sony provides excellent built-in parental controls, some parents may seek additional layers of protection. Third-party solutions and network-level controls can complement the PS5’s built-in features.

• Bark: As noted earlier, Bark offers in-home parental controls that extend beyond the PS5. It allows you to manage screen time and filter websites across all internet-connected devices in your home.
• Router-Based Parental Controls: Many modern routers offer built-in parental control features. These controls can be used to block access to specific websites or limit internet access during certain times of the day.
• DNS-Based Filtering: Services like OpenDNS and Cloudflare Family offer DNS-based filtering, which blocks access to malicious websites and inappropriate content at the network level.

Tips for Effective Parental Control

Implementing parental controls is just the first step. Here are some tips for effective parental supervision:

• Communicate with Your Child: Talk to your child about online safety and responsible gaming habits. Explain the reasons behind the parental controls and encourage them to come to you with any concerns.
• Review Activity Reports Regularly: Monitor your child’s activity reports to identify any potential issues or concerns.
• Adjust Settings as Needed: As your child grows and matures, you may need to adjust the parental control settings accordingly.
• Lead by Example: Model responsible gaming habits yourself. Show your child that you also value other activities and limit your own screen time.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest online safety threats and parental control tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I set up parental controls on a PS5?

Navigate to Settings > Family and Parental Controls on your PS5 console. From there, you can create or manage family members and customize parental control settings for each child account.

2. Can I restrict access to specific games on the PS5?

Yes, you can restrict access to games based on age ratings. The PS5 uses a standard age rating system, and you can block games deemed inappropriate for your child’s age.

3. How do I monitor my child’s playtime on the PS5?

The Play Time Management feature allows you to set daily or weekly playtime limits. You can also view reports of your child’s gaming activity.

4. Can I control who my child communicates with on the PS5?

Yes, you can limit or disable your child’s ability to communicate with other players on the PlayStation Network.

5. How do I set spending limits for my child on the PlayStation Store?

You can set monthly spending limits or require your approval for all purchases made through your child’s account.

6. Can I manage parental controls remotely?

Yes, you can manage parental controls remotely through a web browser on your computer or mobile device, or by using the PlayStation App.

7. What is the Family Management feature on PS5?

The Family Management feature allows you to designate family managers who can oversee parental controls for all child accounts within the family.

8. Does my child need their own PSN account?

Yes, each child under 18 years of age needs a separate child account for PlayStation Network services.

9. How do I hide games from my child account on PS5?

Highlight the game you want to hide, press the Options button, and select “Hide” or “Hide All Items”.

10. How do I change my child account to an adult account on PS5?

Sign in to Account Management and select “Upgrade Your Account.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade. This can only be done when the child reaches the eligible age.

11. What other consoles have parental controls?

Other consoles with robust parental control features include the Nintendo Switch and Xbox.

12. Can children be removed from family management on PS5?

Children cannot be removed from the family they are added to, so be sure that the adult who creates a child’s user account intends to be the family manager.

13. What is Family Sharing on PlayStation?

Family Sharing allows you to share games and PlayStation Plus benefits with other family members on different consoles.

14. How do I limit time on PlayStation?

Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management and select the child account. Then, select Play Time Settings to set time limits.

15. Is PlayStation 5 good for kids?

The PlayStation 5 offers a wide range of kid-friendly games and franchises, making it a suitable gaming platform for children when used with appropriate parental controls. The Games Learning Society also promotes the beneficial aspects of gaming in education and development; see more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

By understanding and utilizing the available parental control features on the PS5, parents can create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for their children.