Level Up Your Summer: Online Safety Tips for Families on PlayStation

Summer is a season for making memories, whether that means family vacations, afternoons outdoors, or spending a little extra time enjoying favorite games. With school out and flexible schedules, many children have more opportunities to connect with friends online, discover new adventures, and explore everything gaming has to offer.

At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we believe gaming is at its best when players can enjoy fun, positive, and safe experiences together. Our Online Safety team works all year to help create an environment where players of all ages feel welcome, supported, and empowered to make the most of their time on PlayStation.

To help families make the most of summer play, we asked members of our global Online Safety team, many of whom are parents and players themselves, to share their favorite tips for supporting healthy gaming habits throughout the season. From starting conversations about online experiences and reviewing parental controls to encouraging balanced play and making thoughtful spending decisions, these practical tips can help your family enjoy a fun, safe, and memorable summer of play.

Make Summer Conversations Part of the Fun

Video games have been a great way for me to bond with my teenage stepson, and summer gives us more time to enjoy them together. Whether we’re playing together or chatting about them afterward, I like to ask him about who he plays with, his favorite games, and if anything interesting or unusual has happened recently.

These conversations are  a casual way for us to stay connected and for me to better understand his experiences. They aren’t formal. As a professional in the space, I also know that building a pattern of open, judgment-free conversations makes him much more likely to come to me if he ever experiences something that doesn’t feel right.

Learn more about online safety on PlayStation by visiting (Insert Link to Safety Report)

Susan W.
Online Safety Analyst
Favorite Game Genre – Cozy Co-Op Simulators

Keep Summer Playtime Flexible

Gaming routines are constantly changing, especially in the summer. That’s why I appreciate being able to help my family adjust playtime settings for my younger nieces as the days change.

Some days are spent outside while others are spent indoors enjoying the air conditioning. It’s great having the ability to adjust these settings based on each family’s plans or needs. Adjusting playtime settings can help keep the summer gaming fun and balanced for all.

Faith F.
Online Safety Investigations Program Manager
Favorite Game Genre – Survival Horror

Check In on Parental Controls Before Summer Begins

I spend a few minutes checking that gameplay restrictions, communication settings, and spending permissions still match my child’s age and maturity.

Children grow quickly, and their interests change just as fast. Taking a few moments to review your family’s settings at the beginning of summer helps create a safe foundation, allowing kids to enjoy their extra free time while giving parents added peace of mind.

Learn more about parental controls on PlayStation by visiting here.

Satish U.
Staff Product Manager
Favorite Game Genre – Racing

Turn Summer Spending Into a Learning Opportunity

With more free time during summer break, it’s natural for kids to discover new games or show interest in downloadable content they’ve seen their friends enjoying. I like to use this as an opportunity to teach budgeting and decision-making.

Setting a monthly spending limit helps create healthy boundaries while encouraging conversations about making thoughtful purchases. Sometimes we even compare different games together and decide which one offers the best value. These small discussions can help build financial habits that extend well beyond gaming.

Ryan K.
Senior Director, Product Management
Favorite Game Genre – Sports

Balance Gaming With Summer Wellness

Summer is one of my favorite seasons because there’s opportunity for family trips, outdoor adventures, relaxing with friends, and catching up on games I’ve been meaning to play. Finding that balance is one of the best ways to make the most of the season.

I encourage families to mix gaming with plenty of exercise, fresh air, hydration, and quality sleep. Taking regular breaks helps everyone return to gaming feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to enjoy the experience even more.

Mijeong J.
Online Safety Policy Program manager
Favorite Game Genre –  Adventure, Local co-op.

Support Your Child’s Gaming Experience on the go with PlayStation Family App

With thePlayStation Family app you can easily review your child’s gaming activity and update parental control settings from your smartphone. It offers a simple way to stay involved, support your child’s gaming journey, and make adjustments together as their needs evolve.

PlayStation offers a variety of tools to help create a safer gaming experience for children. Because every child develops differently, taking the time to talk with your child about gaming is important. By understanding what they enjoy, who they play with, and what works best for them, you can choose settings that support their individual needs.

Kei N.
Senior Online Safety Program Manager
Favorite Game Genre – JRPG, Action RPG, and Card Game