iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Use a child account and the console’s family controls to limit age-rated games. On PlayStation, also set communication and user-generated-content restrictions separately; on Xbox, manage content filters through the Xbox Family Settings app or Microsoft family group. These controls govern platform accounts, so review settings in individual games and services too.
Start with a child account and family controls
Set up a family and add the child’s account before applying restrictions. On PlayStation, Sony provides setup through the PlayStation Family app, Account Management online, or the console. For Xbox, use the Xbox Family Settings app or Microsoft’s family settings hub. Use the child’s account when configuring controls rather than relying on settings applied only to an adult account.
Block age-inappropriate games on PlayStation
Set the child’s game age level
After adding the child to your PlayStation family, set the game age level in parental controls. Sony describes age levels for PS5 and PS4 games, as well as PS3 games. The restriction is tied to the child account’s age-level settings; it is not a universal filter for everything the child might access on the console. See Sony’s parental-controls guide for the current routes and device-specific details.
Recommended Free Tools
On PS5, a child can request an exception for a restricted game, and a parent or guardian can review whether to allow it. This lets you assess one title without generally raising the child’s age restriction. The PlayStation Family app also supports requests for access to games restricted by age level and offers age presets and customization; see the PlayStation Family app information.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- VOLUME WHEEL — Its on-headset control makes it convenient to adjust audio levels without having to fiddle with any system or program settings
Restrict communication and user-generated content
Game age limits do not replace controls for messaging, voice chat, or shared content. In PlayStation parental controls, set “Communication and User-Generated Content” to “Restrict” to disable sending text messages and voice chatting with other players, sharing the child’s user-generated content, viewing other players’ user-generated content, and linking select third-party services or apps with communication or user-generated-content features. Sony notes that pre-written messages in a game may still be allowed.
Set other content limits separately
PlayStation provides separate controls for Blu-ray and DVD age levels, web browsing, online-content age filtering, privacy, playtime, spending, and linked services or apps. Review the controls relevant to your child and the device they use; a game age restriction should not be treated as a blanket block on websites, video discs, or every service.
Rank #2
- Next Generation Gaming Audio
- Multi-Device Connectivity
- Command and Control
- Always Be Ready for Great Play
Set content controls on Xbox
Xbox’s family settings cover age-appropriate content filters, privacy, online purchases, and screen time. Configure them in the Xbox Family Settings app or through the Microsoft family group at Xbox Family Hub. Xbox also describes game- or app-specific time limits managed through the family group; those limits are shared across Xbox consoles and Windows devices.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For current, device-specific steps, use the family controls in the app or Microsoft family group. Xbox’s support page for blocking inappropriate content is available at Xbox Support; menu labels and options should be confirmed in the live controls rather than assumed from a generic guide.
Rank #3
- Hear your Voice Level with Variable Mic Monitoring
- Low-Latency 2.4GHz Wireless plus Bluetooth 5.2 Connectivity
- Amplified 40mm Drivers for Powerful Spatial Audio
- QuickSwitch Button for Seamless Wireless to Bluetooth Switching
- Four Turtle Beach Audio EQ Modes
How the controls differ
| Control | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Game content | Sony documents game age levels and separately lists disc age levels and online-content age filtering. | Xbox lists age-appropriate content filters; check the live family controls for available options. |
| Communication and shared content | “Communication and User-Generated Content” can restrict messaging, voice chat, and user-generated content. Some service controls are separate. | Xbox’s overview lists privacy settings; check the live family controls for communication choices. |
| Game-specific exception | PS5 supports parent or guardian review of requests to make an exception for a restricted game. | An equivalent game-exception workflow is not established in the Xbox overview. |
| Time and spending | Sony lists playtime and monthly spending controls. | Xbox lists screen-time and purchase controls, as well as app- and game-specific time limits shared across Xbox and Windows. |
These are platform-account controls, not a guarantee that every route to mature material is blocked. A third-party game or service may have its own age, chat, and content settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check each game and service’s own settings
Roblox is a specific PlayStation example: PlayStation says Roblox communications are independent of PS4 and PS5 communication settings. Chat depends on the Roblox account’s age band or permissions set through Roblox parental controls. If a child uses Roblox, review those controls in addition to the console settings. Sony’s PlayStation Family app FAQ explains this distinction.
Rank #4
- Compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC & Mobile Devices Only
- Mappable Wheel and Mode Button for Customizable Functions
- QuickSwitch Button for Seamless Wireless to Bluetooth switching
- Flip-to-Mute Mic with A.I.-Based Noise Reduction
- Multiplatform, Low-latency 2.4GHz Wireless plus Bluetooth 5.2
For other games and apps, check their own family, privacy, and chat settings as well. Console restrictions limit what the platform account can do; they do not necessarily control features managed by an external service or activity on another device.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Headset for Gamers: Experience everything from the big booms to whisper-quiet warnings in stunning 7.1 virtual surround sound and chat with friends through the hidden, noise-canceling microphones
- With the Headset Companion App, download custom audio modes created exclusively for PlayStation 4 systems by developers that are specifically tuned to enhance the audio in your favorite games
- Stylish comfort: slip into comfort you can Enjoy for hours and a look you can take anywhere. Further customize your look by swapping out the removable faceplates for something more your style
- Designed with PlayStation VR in mind: Explore the incredible worlds of VR with a headset to be worn comfortably along with PlayStation VR
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
