Safety Tips for Positive Summer Play

Summer’s here, and with school on break and more free time to explore favorite games or try new ones, it’s an ideal moment for all players, especially our younger players, to dive into digital adventures. Whether it’s teaming up with friends online, competing in tournaments, or just wanting to focus on a single-player game, the opportunities to enjoy the power of play are endless.

At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we believe that the best gaming memories are created in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment. That’s why our Online Safety team works year-round to make sure PlayStation is a place where players of all ages feel welcome and supported.

To help families get the most out of the summer gameplay season, we asked some of our global team members, who are also parents, players, and safety experts, to share their favorite tips for keeping playtime safe and enjoyable. From setting up parental controls to using reporting tools and encouraging healthy gaming habits, these ideas are here to help you and your family have a great summer of play.

Creating Safe and Fun Gaming Memories

When I was a kid and got my first game consoles, there was nothing better than inviting my mates round to check it out and play games together. Those moments of fun, competition, and teamwork still stick with me today.

For younger players growing up now, those same moments are just as special—even if their friends aren’t always sitting next to them on the sofa. Thanks to online gaming, they can connect with mates from across the street or across the world. But with that amazing connection comes a few things to keep in mind to stay safe.

Top Tips for Young Players

• Stick with Real-Life Friends: Make online friend connections with people you already know in real life. It’s a great way to keep your gaming group fun and familiar.
• Always Ask a Parent First: If you receive a friend request from someone you don’t know—or who doesn’t share their real name—talk to a parent or guardian before accepting it.
• Use Privacy Settings: Did you know you can change your ‘Friend Requests’ settings to only allow requests from friends of friends? It’s an easy way to add a layer of protection while still meeting new teammates through trusted connections.

By using these simple tips, you can focus on what really matters—creating epic memories with your mates, feeling safe, and enjoying the game to the fullest.

Will L.
Director, Online Safety
Favorite Game Genre – Platform

Preset Restriction Levels (PlayStation 5 console)

Sometimes, it can be a challenge to balance safety with agency and fun for children. Setting up parental controls on your PlayStation 5 using presets is a straightforward way to ensure your child has a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience. By selecting a preset restriction level; Child, Early Teens, or Late Teens; you can automatically apply settings that limit game content, online interactions, web browsing, PlayStation VR, and spend, all tailored to your child’s age group!

This not only saves you time but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your child is engaging with content suitable for their maturity level. Of course, you can easily adjust these settings to suit your preferences or your child’s needs, but the presets give you a solid foundation to start with!

Cristina F.
Online Safety Consultant
Favorite Game Genre – Racing and puzzle games

The Real MVP? The PlayStation Code of Conduct

It might be a bit of a stereotype for a lawyer, but I truly believe rules give us the foundation to build spaces where people feel safe, empowered, and free to be their best selves as individuals and as players. The PlayStation Code of Conduct is a rulebook for the open-world experience that is chatting with players from the globe, and it’s designed to make sure everyone has a great time, plays fair, and feels safe. It sets the tone for respectful behavior, whether you’re teaming up for an exciting mission or going head-to-head in a fierce battle. 

We’ve simplified and updated the Code so that the rules are easier to understand, consistent worldwide, and accessible to all players. This keeps the focus on fun and friendly collaboration and competition. By following the rules we protect our community and make sure PlayStation stays a place where players of all ages and backgrounds can connect, compete, and create awesome memories together. If you’re ever unsure whether something you or another player has said is in the spirit, check out the Code!

Jess C.
Corporate Counsel
Favorite Game Genre – RPGs

Summertime – a Time for Gaming AND Focusing on Your Mental Health!

I love the many summer holidays because it allows more time to travel, visit friends and family, participate in outdoor activities, and catch up on my ever-growing backlog of games to play! While enjoying all these great recreational opportunities, it is also important to focus on our mental health and maintain a balance between all of our summertime activities. 

This can be done by taking regular breaks, participating in physical activity, interacting with friends socially, and practising mindfulness. Staying mentally well not only enhances focus and enjoyment in games but also supports emotional resilience, helping players make the most of their summer playtime.

Tom M.
Senior Manager, Online Safety
Favorite Game Genre – Action/Adventure,  ARPG, Interactive Drama

Let’s Keep Our Community Safe—Use the Report Function

As someone who enjoys highly competitive games myself, I know just how intense and thrilling these experiences can be. But with that intensity may come heated arguments and, unfortunately, harassment.

We strongly encourage you to use the report function whenever you come across inappropriate or harmful content. Every submitted report is reviewed by trained human moderators, and appropriate action is taken swiftly and thoroughly against any offenders.

Additionally, if you ever feel like you could use some additional support after encountering toxicity, please don’t hesitate to seek support. We’ve partnered with some professional mental health support services that offer 24/7, free, and anonymous help to players.

You can find more information and access these services via our FAQ page.

Let’s work together to build a gaming environment that’s safe and respectful for everyone.

Rintaro Y.
Online Safety Specialist
Favorite Game Genre – FPS and card games

Report Anything that Makes You Uncomfortable!

I grew up spending tons of time online playing soccer and first person shooting games with my friends and strangers through online matchmaking. I was always itching to finish my homework early and hop on my PlayStation 3! 

There were a few times I encountered hurtful words while interacting with strangers as I played my favorite games. When that happened, I felt bummed out but looking back, I realize it’s because I didn’t know what to do or how to make a report.

Players,one piece of advice from me is to use the tools you have available to make sure your voice is heard. It only takes a moment to select the Report button to let us know exactly what happened. 

If you’re a parent or guardian, you can even walk your child through the reporting process and encourage them to reach out to you if they ever see or hear anything that makes them uncomfortable. 

The less harmful content on the platform, the better the gaming experience for everyone! 

Pramod C.
Product Manager
Favorite Game Genre – Sports

Building Safer, Stronger Gaming Habits With Your Child

When I got my first PlayStation in the 90’s, gaming was simpler, no internet, and multiplayer meant taking your console to a friend’s house. Today, online play and communication are part of many games, which can make things trickier for parents and guardians. But, with the right tips and habits, you can help create a safer, more positive gaming space at home. Here are a few to get started:

1. Understand the Games: Learn about the games your child plays, the age ratings, chat features, and safety tools. PlayStation’s PSN Rules are child-friendly and great to review together. 
2. Keep the conversation going: Ask about their gaming experiences regularly. Simple questions like “What games did you play today?” can help build trust and openness. 
3. Play Together: Joining in helps you see the game through their eyes, builds trust, and makes it easier to talk about online safety. 
4. Foster Trust: Encourage your child to come to you if something goes wrong. Stay calm, listen, and be open about your concerns. 
5. Reward Positive Habits: Use creative rewards to reinforce balance, like screen-free points they can trade for extra game time or a day out. 

Dr Somaya A.
Business and Compliance Analyst, Online Safety
Favorite Game Genre – Puzzle, Boardgames

Be the Person Others Want to Play With

I’ve been told I’m very good in competitive PVP game modes. Being good in competitive play is great, but being a team player and respectful adversary is even better. If I win, I make an effort to do so gracefully. If I lose, I look to learn something from that experience to improve my skill level for the next match. It’s definitely preferable to win than lose, but the purpose of online play is always about having fun. 

Please remember that for some players, it might be their hundredth match, but for others, it could be their first. Be kind to all. Be helpful to other players when appropriate and consider sharing knowledge and tactics if asked. Be patient with newer players – all of us were brand new to gaming once! Do these things and you will be making our shared spaces a better experience for everyone!

Steve F.
Software Engineer
Favorite Game Genre – Competitive PVP

Set Your Own Limits

If you play competitively, approach your gaming sessions as a best of three – if you lose two matches, move on to something else. Emotions can easily get heated when you’re losing and in this state, we don’t always think clearly. Frustration might not only lead to you saying bad things when you don’t mean them but also making critical mistakes which further take away your enjoyment of the game.

And what if you want to continue? Muting yourself can work wonders – when you know no one can hear you, you get focused more on your own performance which, in turn, can lead to a higher chance of progression. A good environment starts with you, after all.

Mateusz K. 
Online Safety Operations Specialist
Favorite Game Genre – Action RPG, MMORPG,  and MOBA