PlayStation Network Safety Settings

PlayStation Network (PSN) Safety Settings ensure safe and extensive entertainment. Parents, guardians, and adult family members can ensure a safer gaming environment for children. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential safety settings available. It is important that the family manager is over 18 years old.

To effectively manage children’s accounts, a personal PlayStation Network Account must first be established. This account serves as the central hub for all Parental Controls across PlayStation platforms and products. This empowers you to supervise and restrict interactions.

 

 

Key Restrictions Available on PlayStation Network

Several critical restrictions can be applied:

• Chatting: Communication with other players can be managed.
• In-App Purchasing: Control over in-game purchases is provided.
• Internet Browser Access: Access to the web browser can be limited.
• Inappropriate Content: Access to age-restricted content is managed.

 

 

Setting up a PlayStation Network Account

A PlayStation Network Account is a prerequisite for setting up Parental Controls on all PlayStation devices.

Steps:

• Create a New Account:
  • Click on this link: https://www.playstation.com
  • Scroll down the webpage.
  • Click on “Join Now.”
  • Enter required details to create a new account.

 

• Log In: If you already have a PlayStation Network Account, select “Sign in to PSN.”

 

• Access Account Settings: Once signed in, select the “Account Settings” tab. This is located under your Profile Picture. Confirm login details.

 

• Family Management: Select the “Family Management” option from the menu. Your own account will be listed as “Family Manager” on the right of the screen.

 

• Add Family Member: Add your children’s account, if it exists, or create a new account for them by selecting “Add Family Member.”

 

 

Adding a Family Member

When adding a family member, parental confirmation of account details and password is required.

Steps:

• Confirm Identity: On selecting “Add Family Member,” confirm your own account details. Enter your password before proceeding.

 

• Select Child Option: When adding a family member, you will be asked to add them as an adult or a child. Ensure “Add a Child” is selected.

 

• Enter Child’s Details: Enter your child’s details when prompted. Your own email address can be used for their account if preferred.

 

• Create Login: A username and password must be selected to protect their account. Once completed, select “I Agree” when the sign-up is finished.

 

• Verify Sub-Account: To verify the created sub-account, open the email account used for sign-up. Open the email and click on the attached link.

 

 

Family Management Parental Controls

Parental Controls are now ready for your child’s account.

Play Time Management

Play Time can be set to apply across all PlayStation devices where the child is logged in. Time allocation can be fixed or varied daily. Play Time can also be adjusted instantly if desired.

 

Application and Devices (PS4/PS5)

Age Level for Games

Control levels for playing games with parental control restrictions are set. A lower level indicates tighter control. The age levels are approximations based on content ratings.

• Level 1: Age 0 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 2: Age 3 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 3: Age 6 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 4: Age 10 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 5: Age 12 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 6: Age 12 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 7: Age 15 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 8: Age 15 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 9: Age 18 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 10: Age 18 or Older (Approximation)
• Level 11: Age 18 or Older (Approximation)
• Allowed: All content permitted.

 

Why it’s important

Age ratings on games are crucial for content appropriateness. Setting the age level ensures your child only accesses games deemed suitable for their developmental stage, preventing exposure to violence, mature themes, or strong language that could be distressing or inappropriate. This also aligns with regional content rating systems.

 

Age Level for Blu-ray Disc and DVD Videos

Age restriction or content level for playing DVDs or Blu-Ray can be set here. The Country or Region for Parental Control can also be selected, referencing the age rating system specific to that country.

 

Why it’s important

Just like games, movies and TV shows carry age ratings. This setting allows parents to ensure their child cannot play physical media with content that is too mature, protecting them from inappropriate visual or thematic elements.

 

 

Use of PlayStation VR

The PlayStation VR headset is not for use by children under the age of 12. This option can be turned off by selecting “NOT Allowed.”

 

Why it’s important

Virtual Reality (VR) technology can be intense and disorienting. The 12+ age recommendation is due to potential impacts on developing eyes, balance, and spatial awareness, as well as the immersive nature that might be overwhelming for younger children. Restricting VR access safeguards your child’s physical and psychological well-being.

 

 

Use of the Internet Browser

It is recommended that the use of the PlayStation Internet Browser be disallowed. This option can be turned off by selecting “NOT Allowed.”

 

Why it’s important

An unrestricted internet browser on a gaming console can expose children to unfiltered web content, including adult material, harmful websites, or phishing scams. Disabling this access acts as a vital barrier against accidental or intentional exposure to inappropriate online environments.

 

 

Network Features

Communicating with Other Players

Chatting or messaging with players (including your child’s Friends) on PlayStation Network can be prevented. Turn off this option by selecting “NOT Allowed.”

 

Why it’s important

Unsupervised communication with strangers or even peer groups can lead to cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate language, or grooming attempts. Restricting communication channels is a fundamental step in protecting your child from harmful online interactions and maintaining their safety within the gaming community.

 

 

Viewing Content Created by Other Players

The display of videos, images, and text created and shared by players on PlayStation Network can be prevented. Turn off this option by selecting “NOT Allowed.”

 

Why it’s important

User-generated content (UGC) can be unmoderated and contain inappropriate, offensive, or violent material. Limiting this exposure ensures your child sees only curated or age-appropriate content, preventing them from stumbling upon disturbing or harmful visuals and text shared by other users.

 

 

Monthly Spending Limit

The total amount your family member can spend on content in a calendar month is limited. Only a family member can add money to the wallet. This can be left at €0 or a specific limit can be set.

 

Why it’s important

This is critical for preventing unauthorized or excessive spending on games, add-ons, or in-game items. By setting a monthly limit (or €0), parents maintain financial control, teach responsible spending habits, and protect against unexpected charges on their linked payment methods. It avoids situations where children might inadvertently spend large sums.

 

 

Top Tips for PlayStation Network Safety

Proactive involvement and education are key to a safe gaming experience.

 Open Communication & Leading by Example

Maintain open conversations with children about their online gaming. Model responsible screen time and respectful interactions.

 

Monitor Activity

Regularly review play time and spending habits. Engage with your child about who they play with and what games they enjoy.

 

Strengthen Account Security

Use strong, unique passwords for both your manager account and child accounts. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your manager account for added security.

 

Understand Game Ratings

Familiarize yourself with game age rating systems (e.g., PEGI in Europe, ESRB in North America). This helps in making informed decisions about which games are appropriate.

 

Report Concerns

Teach your child how to report inappropriate behaviour or content within the PlayStation Network. Utilize PSN’s reporting tools yourself if you encounter issues.

 

 

Partner with Children of the Digital Age for Enhanced Online Safety

At Children of the Digital Age, we’re deeply committed to supporting parents as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital parenting. We understand that ensuring your child’s online safety and digital well-being is a top priority. 

 

For broader educational resources, engaging workshops, or personalized advice on managing screen time and addressing problematic online issues, don’t hesitate to contact Children of the Digital Age. We’re here to offer expert guidance, ensuring your children enjoy the digital world safely and responsibly. Your child’s digital well-being and online safety remain our utmost priority.

 

© 2025 Children of the Digital Age. All rights reserved. | Last Updated: July 2025