Gaming Systems
A quick overview of each of the most popular gaming systems and parental control options available for them.
Xbox
Overview
Xboxes, in all of their variants, have Microsoft Family Safety and its own Family Settings app to manage screen time, set age-appropriate content limits, approve or deny purchases, and monitor online activity.
It’s an extremely popular gaming systems that has a lot of games with high graphical quality and intense content – anything from flashing/strobing lights to sex to violence/gore, and everything in between. Be careful with the games and content you allow on this one.
Tip: Follow the Gaming document for tips on figuring out which games to allow.
PlayStation
Overview
PlayStation’s parental control system allows families to create child accounts with restrictions tailored by age. Through Family Management, parents can set spending limits, and filter games, videos, and apps based on content ratings, and block web browsing.
Just like the Xbox, PlayStations have games of all types and content maturity levels, so be careful to limit which games are allowed
Tip: Keep your PlayStation (and all other gaming systems) in shared spaces – not bedrooms!
Switch
Overview
Nintendo has parental controls that allow you to limit play time, restrict access to games based on ESRB ratings, and disable online communication or purchases. Its app provides real-time updates on gaming activity and allows remote management of settings, making it user-friendly for families.
The majority of the games on the switch also are more safe and less mature than other consoles. This is a good system for families who want to bond and have some gaming fun together!
Tip: The Switch 2 has voice chat for online play, so be careful with whom you allow your kids to talk to!
Meta Quest
Overview
Meta Quest headsets (formerly Oculus) include a growing set of parental controls designed to keep VR experiences safe. Using Meta’s Family Center, parents can approve app downloads, limit screen time, restrict access to web browsers, and monitor usage. Guardian boundaries also help keep players physically safe by alerting them when they’re near real-world obstacles.
However, VR and its affects are still being researched, and its affects on users (especially children) aren’t well-understood. It’s best to not let kids spend a lot of time in a digital world. Opt for the real world instead – it’s beautiful out there!
Tip: Don’t let kids under 13 use, and be very restrictive in continuous time allowed
Steam (PC)
Overview
Steam offers Family View (mentioned in the Plan Guide series) that lets parents lock access to the store, library, and community features with a PIN. You can limit which games and features a child account can access, and set restrictions on purchases and chatting.
You can also utilize system-level controls, like Microsoft Family Safety, if it’s on a Windows PC. Steam also supports time tracking and has content filters, but managing it effectively may require more hands-on involvement from parents.
Tip: If you also have an Xbox, you can use Microsoft Family Safety to manage both the Xbox and the PC that runs Steam.