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How to Set Parental Controls on a PS5 and PS5 Pro: 6-Step Guide for Parents

As parents, we all want the best for our kids. Video games are part of life; there's nothing inherently wrong with that. Games can teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and even teamwork. But let's be honest—gaming can spiral out of control without limits. This guide will help you set up parental controls on a PS5 and PS5 PRO. I assume the PS5 PRO will not have a different interface, so this is the same case for the upcoming console. This is so you can ensure your kids play responsibly.


I've been through this process myself and learned a few things along the way. This guide is about sharing what I've learned, helping you make the best choices for your family, and allowing your kids to enjoy games without taking over their lives.


Step 1: Set Up a Family Manager Account

Empower yourself by creating a Family Manager account. This is essentially the 'parent' account that will put you in control of all the settings for the child profiles.


Go to the PS5 Home Screen


Boot up the PS5, and from the Home Screen, scroll to the Settings icon—it looks like a little gear.

(This is where the magic starts.)


  1. Select Users and Accounts

  2. Once in the Settings menu, navigate to Users and Accounts. It's about halfway down the list. Here's where we'll set up your family.

  3. Go to Family and Parental Controls

  4. Now, select Family and Parental Controls and choose Family Management. If you haven't done this before, you'll be prompted to sign in with your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.

  5. Add a Family Member

  6. After signing in, choose Add Family Member. If your child doesn't have a PlayStation account, you can create one for them here. Remember, you're the Family Manager—so you get to set the rules.

  7. Create a Child Account

  8. When creating the account, choose Child under the account type. The system will guide you through entering their date of birth, username, and password.


Note: This is where you'll start building those limits around gaming time and content.

 

Step 2: Limit Play Time and Screen Time

Once you've set up your child's account, it's time to set some boundaries. The PS5 gives you excellent options for setting daily playtime and bedtime limits.

 

  1. Select Parental Controls/Family Management

  2. Go back to the Family and Parental Controls section of the settings.

  3. Choose the Child's Profile

  4. Under Family Management, select your child's profile. This is where you can edit settings specifically for them.

  5. Select Play Time Settings

  6. Scroll down to Play Time Settings. Here, you can limit how long they can play each day.

  7. Set Play Time

  8. You can choose specific daily limits (e.g., two hours on weekdays and three on weekends). I love this feature because it allows you to be flexible, especially when school nights and weekends require different rules.

 

  1. We all know that an extra hour on a weekend is sometimes a lifesaver.

  2. Set a Play Time Notification

  3. You can also have the PS5 notify your child when their time is about to run out. This helps them wind down and exit the game responsibly instead of mid-boss fight meltdowns.

  4. Set a Time Zone

  5. Ensure the time zone matches your local time so the limits work correctly. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after finding my child playing at 11 p.m. because the system thought it was only 8 p.m.

 

Step 3: Control Content Based on Age

The next step is to manage the content your child can access based on age. Some games have ratings because they are not meant for younger kids.

 

  1. Go Back to Parental Controls/Family Management

  2. Return to the Family and Parental Controls section, and select your child's profile again.

  3. Choose Age Level for Games

  4. Scroll down to Age Level for Games. This setting will automatically restrict access to inappropriate games for your child's age.

  5. Choose an Age Level

  6. You'll see a list of age levels corresponding to game ratings (like E for Everyone, T for Teen, and M for Mature). Based on your child's maturity and age, select the proper level.

  7. Here's where you get to say "No" to Grand Theft Auto, at least for now.

  8. Restrict Communication and User-Generated Content

  9. Further down, you'll see options to limit communication with other players and restrict user-generated content (like mods or shared images from other players). I strongly recommend turning these off for younger kids. The internet can be pretty wild, and keeping them safe until they're older is better.

 

Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to online gaming.

 

Step 4: Restrict Purchases and Spending

One of the biggest headaches parents face is unexpected in-game purchases. Trust me, I've been there. The last thing you want is a $100 charge for Fortnite skins. The good news is you can prevent that, giving you a sense of security and peace of mind.

 

  1. Go to Sub Account Spending Settings

  2. Under Family and Parental Controls, scroll down to Monthly Spending Limit.

  3. Set a Monthly Spending Limit

  4. You can either completely block spending or set a reasonable monthly limit. This is a great way to teach your child about budgeting while giving them freedom.

  5. Giving them a small budget can teach responsibility—but you're still in control.

 

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Settings Regularly 

Setting parental controls isn't a 'set it and forget it' task. Kids grow, games change, and sometimes, your rules must adapt. By making it a point to check the settings at least once a month, you're being responsible and proactive in your parenting.

 

  1. Go to Family Management

  2. Again, go to Family Management in the PS5 settings.

  3. View Usage Reports

  4. You can also view your child's play history and better understand their online activities.

  5. Adjust as Needed

  6. Whether it's extending playtime during summer break or loosening content restrictions as children age, be flexible but firm. For instance, during summer break, you might consider extending the playtime limit to allow for more leisure time. As children mature, you might relax the content restrictions, but always with a watchful eye on their online activities.

  7. It's all about balance. You're in charge, but staying open to change is good.

 

Step 6: Open Dialogue with Your Kids 

Every parental control system is flawed. It's essential to have open communication with your kids about why these restrictions are in place. Here's what's worked for me: Explain to your child why these limits exist. It's not about control, but about ensuring they have a healthy relationship with gaming and the internet.

 

  1. Explain Why Limits Exist

  2. Kids are naturally curious and will likely ask why they can't play certain games or why their time is restricted. Instead of saying, "Because I said so," explain that it's about their well-being.

  3. Ask for Their Input

  4. If your child feels they're outgrowing certain limits, let them express that. This will allow you to decide if adjustments are appropriate.

  5. Review Together

  6. Sometimes, I even sit down with my kids to review the restrictions. It gives them a sense of involvement and responsibility. They know that the rules aren't arbitrary—they're there to keep them safe.

 

Why This Matters 

We can't monitor our kids 24/7, but PS5's parental controls give us a fighting chance. Setting boundaries doesn't make us the "bad guy"—it helps us be responsible parents. The goal isn't to block your child's access to fun; it's to ensure they're having fun healthily and balanced.

 

In the end, video games are just one part of life, and there are many benefits for kids who play video games, but this can also be a double-edged sword. Setting the proper limits will allow your kids to explore the world of gaming without losing sight of the world outside. So, take a deep breath, go through these steps, and feel confident knowing that you're helping your child navigate the digital world in a safe and controlled way.

 

Remember: You've got this! With PS5's parental controls, you can be sure your kids are playing correctly and even take a break.

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