PlayStation
PlayStation family management can be set in the PS Family app, on the web, or on the console. It covers game age levels, chat, play time, and a monthly spending limit that starts at zero.
Use the PS Family app, the website, or the console. You are changing the child account, not a single game.
Set the monthly spending limit
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
The monthly spending limit defaults to zero, which means no spending until you raise it.
- Leave the monthly limit at zero unless you have agreed on an amount.
- This is the console limit. A game's own wallet, such as V-Bucks already purchased, is separate.
Restrict communication and user-generated content
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
Restrict blocks text and voice chat with other players. Pre-written in-game messages can still be sent. Your child can ask for an exception in a specific game.
- Set Communication and user-generated content to Restrict.
- If your child asks for a per-game exception, treat that as a conversation, not an automatic yes.
Start from a preset, then customize if you need to
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
The presets are Child, Early Teens, and Late Teens or Older. All three start games only when the age rating is the same as or lower than the child's age, restrict communication, and set the monthly spending limit to 0. Web browsing is restricted on Child and Early Teens, and not restricted on Late Teens or Older. Changing any setting switches the level to Customize.
- In the PS Family app, on the web under Family Management, or on the PS5 under Settings, Family and Parental Controls, Family Management.
- Choose Child, Early Teens, or Late Teens or Older.
- If you change one switch, expect the preset to become Customize.
Set playtime, and choose notify or log out
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
Restrict Playtime can cap the length of a session and the hours play is allowed, on both PS5 and PS4. When time ends, you choose Notify Only or Log Out. The child can ask for more playtime, and you can change today's limit. A time zone has to be set first.
- Set the time zone, then turn on Restrict Playtime.
- Set Playtime Duration and Playable Hours.
- Choose Notify Only or Log Out for when playtime ends.
Restrict the web browser
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
On the Child and Early Teens presets, web browsing is restricted. On Late Teens or Older, the preset leaves it unrestricted until you change it.
- If the preset is Child or Early Teens, leave web browsing restricted.
- If the preset is Late Teens or Older, turn the restriction on if you do not want the console browser open.
Keep privacy settings under the parent account
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
You choose Parent/Guardian or Child as the person who can change privacy settings. You are notified each time the child changes them, and when they link a third-party service. A child account cannot be removed from the family.
- Set privacy control to Parent/Guardian if you want to be the one who changes those settings.
- A child stays in the family until they are eligible to upgrade. The page does not say that age.
Review linked third-party services
On the console · ages 5–17 · checked 30 Sep 2026
Games can link out to other accounts. The family controls ask you to review those links.
- You're notified when your child links a third-party service. Review that notice and talk about any link you don't recognize.
Leave PlayStation VR off for this child
On the console · ages 5–11 · checked 30 Sep 2026
Sony says PlayStation VR is not for children under 12.
- Do not set up PS VR for a child under 12.
How we check lists what was left off PlayStation.
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