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If your kid has a PlayStation, you probably already know the struggle: you want to set some limits, but you don't even know how to turn the controller on, let alone dig through fifteen menus just to set a bedtime. Microsoft and Nintendo have had family apps for years, and Sony always felt like they were lagging behind. Well, today they finally caught up.
Sony just launched the PlayStation Family App, a brand-new parental control app available now on iOS and Android. And honestly? It's about time. This is the easiest way yet for parents to manage their children's gaming experience - without ever picking up a controller.
Here's what it can do:
Guided Onboarding: Setting up a child account doesn't feel like hacking into NASA anymore. The app walks you through it step by step.
Real-Time Notifications: Instantly see what your kid is playing, approve or decline playtime requests, and even block restricted games on the fly.
Activity Reports: Daily and weekly breakdowns of exactly how much time your child is spending in front of the console (and what they're actually doing).
Playtime Controls: Set different limits for different days, then approve or deny "just five more minutes" requests straight from your phone.
Spending Controls: Add funds, track balances, and cap how much your child can spend on the PlayStation Store each month.
Content Filters: Quickly block age-inappropriate content with smart presets, or customize everything yourself.
Social Settings: Decide how your kids connect and play with others online, so they're safe even when you're not watching.
It's a smart, simple tool that takes the guesswork out of managing a child's gaming life. No more sneaky Fortnite marathons at midnight, no more surprise $80 charges for skins, no more endless "but I only need ten more minutes" negotiations.
Honestly, I wish Sony had made this years ago - but better late than never. If there's a PlayStation in your home, this app should probably be on your phone today.