Create your account then your kid’s account.

The first step is setting up a main user account. Since you’re the parent, that’ll be yours. The process is painless and can be done on your PlayStation 5 when you initially start up the system. Don’t let your child play on the main account, though. If they do, and get far in a game, you won’t be able to move their progress over to their new account.

Once you’ve got your own account set up, you’ll want to download the PlayStation app for your smartphone.

  • Log into your account and tap the Settings button in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down to the PlayStation Network settings and select Family Management.
You'll need to download the PlayStation app and select Family Management to begin setting up parental controls. (Image: Sony)
You’ll need to download the PlayStation app and select Family Management to begin setting up parental controls. (Image: Sony)
  • You’ll then need to re-enter your password and select Set Up Now on the following screen.
  • That will take you to your phone’s web browser, which will, once again, require you to enter your password.
  • Next, select “Add a Child” from the Add Family Member page and enter your child’s date of birth.
You'll need to choose 'Add a Child' to begin setting up their restricted account. (Image: Sony)
You’ll need to choose ‘Add a Child’ to begin setting up their restricted account. (Image: Sony)

You’ll then be asked to pay a $0.50 charge via credit or debit card to confirm that you’re an adult. The fee will be refunded after your confirmation.

  • Verify the card on file, or enter a new one, and tap Verify.
  • Enter your password again and the charge should go through.

Now you can set up your child’s account.

You'll need to choose 'Add a Child' to begin setting up their restricted account. (Image: Sony)
You’ll need to choose ‘Add a Child’ to begin setting up their restricted account. (Image: Sony)

You’ll then be asked to pay a $0.50 charge via credit or debit card to confirm that you’re an adult. The fee will be refunded after your confirmation.

  • Verify the card on file, or enter a new one, and tap Verify.
  • Enter your password again and the charge should go through.

Now you can set up your child’s account.

  • Enter a valid email address for your kid’s account and provide them with a password.
  • Agree to the terms of service on the next few pages, and you’ll reach the parental controls page.
  • Here you can set the age level for PS5, PS4, and PS3 games, as well as the age levels for Blu-ray discs and DVDs, PlayStation VR, and the web browser.
Once you have the account ready to go, you can set restrictions on the age limits for games your child can play, whether they can use the web browser, and more. (Image: Sony)
Once you have the account ready to go, you can set restrictions on the age limits for games your child can play, whether they can use the web browser, and more. (Image: Sony)
  • You’ll also be able to restrict communications and user-generated content, enable age filtering for online content, and set a monthly spending limit.
  • Finally, you’ll be able to set time limits for your child’s playtimes.

Confirm your setup and now you can let your kid play games, while knowing they won’t go overboard.