Sony expands online gaming safety tools for kids with family-centered controls

Sony Interactive Entertainment is expanding safety measures for online play, detailing family management tools designed to help parents and young gamers set boundaries and stay connected. The company says the features aim to create an experience that emphasizes shared boundaries and conversations rather than rigid control, with tools that families can set up together to keep play safe and enjoyable.

Sean Whitcomb, Program Director for Child Safety and Education at Sony Interactive Entertainment, said the tools are built to give families "full control over what is, and isn't, shared online," while letting kids enjoy their favorite titles. The goal, he added, is to "make it easier for this to be a safe experience that everyone is comfortable with."

Whitcomb also recommends active parental involvement. He encourages parents to join their children in gaming to better understand what they are experiencing. "Maybe pick up the controller and play with them too," he said, describing it as one of the easiest ways to understand the child's online world. He also suggests conversations about players' identities and locations, asking, "Who is this person? How old are they? Where do they live? And why do you wanna spend more time playing with them?"

Beyond safety controls, Sony's approach includes using parental controls to reinforce healthy habits away from the screen. Whitcomb noted that parents can use game time as a reward for chores, helping to orient play within the broader daily routines of family life.

The push reflects a broader industry trend toward safety and education in online gaming. While Sony is leading the dialogue on family-managed safety, other major brands have been expanding their own tools to give families more options to tailor experiences and reduce risk for younger players.

Experts say such measures can empower families to balance enjoyment of popular titles with safeguards against unvetted interactions, while still preserving the social and interactive appeal of online games. As consoles and titles evolve, developers say ongoing communication within households remains central to a safe gaming environment.