How to set up parental controls on a PlayStation 4

Setting up a PlayStation® for your kids can be exciting, but you may also want to ensure they’re gaming safely. With built-in parental controls, you can manage screen time, restrict purchases, and filter content to create a safer gaming environment.

At Asurion, we help families set up their devices every day. Here’s how to enable PS4™ parental controls and customize the settings to meet your needs.

Why use PlayStation parental controls?

Parental controls are a great way to ensure your kids are having a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience. With PlayStation parental controls, you can:

• Manage playtime. Set time limits to balance screen time.
• Restrict content. Block games, apps, and movies based on age ratings.
• Control spending. Prevent unauthorized purchases from the PlayStation Store.
• Monitor activity. Get reports on your child’s gaming habits.

How to set up parental controls on a PS4

If you want to manage what your child can access on their PS4, setting up parental controls is a great place to start. Here's how:

1. Create a child account:
   • Go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management.
   • Select Family Management > Add Family Member > Create User for Child.
   • Enter your child’s details and follow the prompts.
2. Set parental controls:
   • In Family Management, choose your child’s account.
   • Select Parental Controls > Restrict Use of PS4 Features.
   • Adjust content restrictions, communication settings, and spending limits.
3. Set playtime limits:
   • Go to Parental Controls/Family Management > Playtime Settings.
   • Set daily limits, playtime notifications, and view reports on playtime.

Tips for using PlayStation parental controls effectively

• Set clear rules. Talk with your child about the screen time limits and why they’re important.
• Regularly review reports. Keep track of your child’s activity to ensure they’re gaming responsibly.
• Adjust controls as needed. As your child grows, you can update settings to allow more freedom.

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FAQ

Can I set time limits for multiple children on the same PlayStation?

Yes, each child account can have its own set of parental controls and time limits.

How can I block inappropriate content on PlayStation?

In the parental control settings, you can restrict content based on age ratings for games, apps, and media.

Can I prevent my child from making purchases on PlayStation?

Absolutely. You can set spending limits or disable purchases entirely in the Family Management settings.

How do I monitor my child’s gaming activity on PlayStation?

You can view activity reports from the Family Management section, showing playtime and games played.