The Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console, or PS3 as it is commonly referred to, along with the PlayStation Portable, or PSP, Sony's handheld gaming device, offer features well beyond individual gaming and movie watching through the PlayStation Network. The PlayStation Network is an online service which opens the systems to features like multiplayer game playing, chat, and movie downloading just to name a few. To learn more about the features offered on these systems, visit: PS3 Features and
PSP Features.
Parental Controls
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) and the PlayStation Portable (PSP) come with parental controls options to help parents establish an age-appropriate gaming, communication, and multimedia experience for their children
PlayStation 3 (PS3)
Parents should be aware of three separate parental control settings:
1. Parental Controls for the PS3 Entertainment System: Parents can determine the age-appropriate level of games and movies that can be played locally, without use of the PlayStation Network. Game and movie settings are based on number-based levels so, when determining the appropriate setting for your children, play close attention to the level you select as they do not directly correspond to ratings established by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board or the Motion Picture Association of America.
2. Parental Controls for the PS3 Internet Browser: Parents can block access to the Internet browser, but it is an all or nothing option. There is no filter option and individual Web sites cannot be blocked.
3. Parental Controls for the PlayStation Network: Parents can create a Master (18+) account and then setup sub accounts for their children. Parental control settings can be established for each sub account to control access to content based on age, restrict audio and video chat capabilities (sub accounts can still send and receive text messages), and set monthly spending limits at the PlayStation store for the purchase of games, game add-ons, and movies.
These are great links to learn more about the PS3's parental control features:
PS3 Parental Controls
Knowledge Center | Support | Playstation.com
PlayStation Portable (PSP)
The PSP's parental controls are very similar to those of the PS3. Parents can determine the appropriate level of game or video content to be played on the device. Additionally, the PSP also offers the same browser and network controls. To learn more visit: PSP Parental Controls.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Double Aught Code 6-24-2011 @ 12:05PM
Child Safety on the PS3...? What a joke! Did they pay someone to write this article. Sure its factual but lets look at some REAL basic safety measures NOT in place on the PSN and PS3.
First I will cover a portion from the article:
Audio/Videdo Chat: While this can be disabled for the PS3 itself ...in other words JUST while in the XMB... in game is an entirly different matter; with NO restrictions other than the silly rating system. Its just part of the game, that according to one Sony engineer is required for proper gameplay (???). Or in other words, the game isnt fully playable if its say a team situation where you would communicate with others on your team. The ability in the XMB to disable audio/video chat should be a GLOBAL feature and include in-game chatting, not simply restricted to XMB interface alone.
Next, even though Im a PS3 fanman (really, I have the sweet 80 GB unit that PS2's as well -I upgraded HDD to 500 GB so I could fit the over $1000 of DLC all at once) I have to give credit to the dreaded ?-Box. It adds the ability, which in my view is CRUCIAL to child safety and the internet, to 'Block Non-Friend Messaging'. I cant tell you how many times Iv been running around in Home just to be bombarded with chain letters or even watching and/or being harrassed; sometimes at an explicit level. While its understood that one can use the 'Report' feature; if its someone who isnt using authorized PSN FW it may not matter.
Iv also been investigating others using a 'sniffing' technique to not only see there own broadcasting packets but intercept others on the network/internet. From there they seem to be comprimising the home network said 'sniffed' PS3 is attached to. This is due to the overall lack of security measures (other than a slew of anti-piracy/illicit firmware rules) for the PS3 broadcast. If you are with someone in game and they aren't playing 'by the rules' thats where it happens. Basically it needs some sort of optional SPI firewall, or similar packet protection. After all, sniffing ones own PS3 is what led to the store exploit they had to fix when the whole PSN got hacked.
While the PS3 is a HUGE powerhouse of a machine and I cant wait for the games that REALLY start utilizing its potential; it truly lacks in BASIC safety. Its got some bells and whistles that make one think something is there, but again, it seems in-game is an entire different set of rules as far as chatting is concerned. I honestly LOVE my PS3. As a disabled Marine I dont have alot I can spend my limited income on, but my PS3, periphials, and DLC have been one of the things Iv indulged in. I simply wish for a safer enviroment. Mainly for the youth on this system, but also for myself. It would really suck for my data to be stolen thru someone else gaming at the same time Im on my PC making a purchase.
Reply