A NEW app for parents to control their kids’ PlayStation console from virtually anywhere in the world has launched.
The new platform gives guardians the power to approve or deny playing certain games – and can even put a stop on rogue spending of digital items.
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There’s already a number of parental controls available for PS5 and PS4, but the new PlayStation Family app goes a step further with everything all in one place for mobiles.
The service has deeper playtime controls, as well as activity reports so you can see exactly what they’re up to.
You can set how long a child is allowed to play a day, with cut off times and the ability to have different schedules each day if desired – perhaps to allow for more game play time on the weekend.
Crucially, parents with the app installed on their phone will receive instant notifications for some activities.
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For example, your son or daughter can request extra playtime if their limit is up – an alert will pop up allowing you to accept or deny their request.
You can also approve or decline requests for restricted games and communications.
A spending manager will also prevent any shock bills for game purchases.
Parents can choose to add funds, view the balance or set a monthly spending limit on their digital buying.
And there are content filters too, so you can configure what’s appropriate for their age all from within the phone.
PlayStation owner Sony say it has included presets that automatically apply recommended settings for different age groups but every setting can also be customised individually to best suit your kid.
Finally, you can control social interactions by deciding all the privacy settings for when your kids connect and play online with others.
The app isn’t just available for the current PS5 either – it works with the old PS4 too.
“We’re excited to bring an easy way for parents to manage their children’s gaming directly from their mobile devices,” said Cory Gasaway VP of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
“This is just the beginning with our new mobile app – we’ll plan to continue adding enhancements to PlayStation Family app to evolve the experience over time.
“We hope you’ll enjoy it and we look forward to your feedback.”
What are the nine signs of gaming addiction?
Symptoms of gaming disorder include:
- Preoccupation with gaming
- Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability)
- Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge
- Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming
- Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to gaming
- Continuing to game despite problems
- Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming
- The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness
- Risk, having jeopardized or lost a job or relationship due to gaming
Source: American Psychiatric Association
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