PlayStation 4 Safety Settings 2025

Purpose of PS4 Safety Settings

Gaming remains a central part of many children’s digital lives in 2025. While PlayStation 4 may be an older console, it is still widely used by young gamers. That makes setting up proper parental controls more important than ever.

PlayStation 4 Safety Settings help parents regulate what their children can see and do on the console. These controls are designed to protect children from mature content, online predators, privacy risks, and unauthorised purchases.

 

 

Why It’s Important for Parents

The PS4 is a powerful multimedia platform that goes far beyond simple gaming. Parents need to ensure that the device is used responsibly by:

• Blocking inappropriate content
• Setting time limits on use
• Restricting online interactions
• Preventing impulse purchases

These features help create a safer gaming experience that matches a child’s age and maturity.

 

 

Why It’s Important for Children

For children, clear boundaries foster responsible habits. By guiding their gameplay and exposure to online communities, PS4 Parental Controls help children:

• Avoid online strangers and risky interactions
• Play games suited to their age
• Understand digital rules and time limits
• Stay focused on positive and educational experiences

 

 

Available Restrictions on PS4

• App Access
• Game Ratings
• Inappropriate Content Filters
• Online Play Restrictions
• Identity & Privacy Protections
• Spending Limits
• Location Sharing Blocks

 

 

How to Set Up Safety Settings on PS4 (2025 Update)

Create a Master Account

Parents must create or sign in to a PlayStation Network account. This becomes the master or “Family Manager” account.

Link: Create PlayStation Network Account

 

Access Settings Menu

1. Turn on the PS4 and press the UP button on the controller
2. Scroll right to highlight Settings
3. Press the X button to open Settings
4. Scroll to Parental Controls/Family Management

 

Set PS4 System Restrictions

1. Select PS4 System Restrictions
2. Enter the default passcode: 0000
3. Change this passcode to one only parents know
4. Block guest logins and profile creation to prevent bypassing restrictions

 

Apply Console-Wide Restrictions

1. Select Default Parental Controls
2. Apply restrictions to all users of the system
3. Press O to return to the main menu

 

Set Up Family Management

1. Select Family Management
2. Sign in to your PlayStation Network master account
3. Verify your email address if prompted
4. Select Create User to add your child’s profile
5. Choose their age, enter ID (or use existing account), and select Accept

 

 

 

Play Time Management Options

Change Play Time for Today

Adjust time limits in real-time based on your child’s needs.

How to set Play Time Settings

You can:

• Define play time per day of the week
• Log out the system when time ends or only notify the child
• Create flexible schedules to balance gaming and study

 

 

Parental Controls: Application & Device Settings

Age Levels for Games

Set restrictions based on age appropriateness:

• Level 1: Age 0+
• Level 2: Age 3+
• Level 3: Age 6+
• Level 4: Age 10+
• Level 5–6: Age 12+
• Level 7–8: Age 15+
• Level 9–11: Age 18+
• Allowed: All content permitted

 

Age Restrictions for DVDs & Blu-rays

• Adjust viewing content by selecting regional age settings for physical media.

 

PlayStation VR Restriction

• Disable VR use for children under 12 by selecting Not Allowed.

 

Internet Browser Access

• To block online browsing, set the browser to Not Allowed.

 

 

Network Features & Online Safety

Communication Restrictions

• Block chat and messages across PlayStation Network, including with friends.

 

User-Generated Content

• Block images, videos, and text created by other players.

 

Monthly Spending Limits

You can:

• Set a spending limit for purchases
• Leave at €0 to disable spending altogether
• Ensure funds can only be added by the family organiser

 

 

Final Thoughts

Even in 2025, the PlayStation 4 continues to be a popular and powerful gaming console for children. By enabling the robust parental control settings it offers, parents can maintain a balance between fun and safety.

These controls help ensure that your child’s gaming experience remains positive, secure, and age-appropriate. At Children of the Digital Age, we recommend every parent with a PlayStation-enabled home take the time to fully set up these features.

If you need a downloadable guide or visual walkthrough, let us know—we’re happy to help make your family’s digital experience safer.

 

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