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| Sony Interactive Entertainment headquarters, where PlayStation’s global consumer and safety initiatives are led. |
By Juli Scarr
Catherine Jensen, Vice President of Global Consumer Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, recently sat down with Cat and Nat to talk about parenting, gaming, and the role play takes in everyday family life.
If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she has also been a key voice behind PlayStation’s broader efforts around player safety and inclusion, which we previously covered when looking at her work shaping a more inclusive future in gaming.
The conversation focused on how gaming fits into modern households, especially as digital spaces become more central to how kids relax, socialize, and spend time. Rather than treating games as something to manage or limit, the discussion centered on understanding how play works today and how parents can stay connected to it.
Jensen spoke about the importance of meeting families where they are. For many households, gaming is not separate from daily routines. It exists alongside school, homework, and family time, which changes how parents think about involvement and boundaries.
A Conversation Around Parenting and Play
The episode opened with Cat and Nat reflecting on their own experiences raising kids in an environment where gaming is part of everyday life. They discussed how different that feels compared to growing up without constant access to screens or online play.
Jensen noted that many parents are navigating unfamiliar territory. The tools, platforms, and social spaces kids use today did not exist when most adults were growing up. Because of that, uncertainty is common.
Rather than pushing strict limits, the conversation emphasized understanding context. What games are being played. Who is involved. What kind of interaction is taking place. Those details often matter more than total time spent playing.
The discussion framed parenting as an ongoing process of learning and adjusting, rather than something that can be solved with a single rule or setting.
Console Gaming and Shared Spaces
A major part of the conversation focused on the difference between console gaming and mobile gaming.
Jensen explained that console play usually happens in shared spaces such as living rooms or family areas. That visibility makes it easier for parents to stay aware of what is happening without needing to intervene directly.
Cat and Nat pointed out that when gaming happens on a television, it feels more open. You can see what is on screen, hear conversations, and understand the tone of what is being played even if you are not participating.
Mobile gaming, on the other hand, tends to be more private and fragmented. Because it happens on personal devices and in short bursts, it can be harder to understand without checking settings or asking questions. That contrast helped explain why many families feel more comfortable with console gaming overall.
The PlayStation Family App in Everyday Use
The discussion then moved to the PlayStation Family App and the role it plays in everyday routines. We recently looked at the app in more detail in our PlayStation Family App guide for kids and parents, which breaks down how the tools work and how families can use them day to day.
Jensen described the app as a way to give parents visibility rather than control. It allows families to manage communication settings, review activity, set play limits, and approve purchases in one place.
The goal, she explained, is not to monitor every moment but to make it easier for parents to stay informed. Having access to clear information helps reduce uncertainty and supports better conversations at home.
Cat and Nat noted that many parents are unaware these tools exist, and that simply knowing they are available can make gaming feel far more manageable.
Playing Together and Staying Connected
Another theme that came up repeatedly was the value of shared play.
Jensen spoke about the impact of sitting nearby, watching a game, or joining in occasionally. Even brief moments of involvement can help parents understand what their kids are experiencing and make later conversations feel more natural.
The hosts added that gaming often serves as a social space, especially for kids who stay connected with friends or relatives online. In those situations, games become a way to stay in touch rather than something that pulls people apart.
That shared experience, whether active or passive, helps build understanding and keeps communication open.
Time, Access, and Household Boundaries
Instead of focusing on strict limits, the conversation returned to the idea of balance.
Jensen explained that tools like scheduling and activity tracking work best when paired with communication. Families can adjust settings as routines change, rather than relying on rigid rules that no longer fit.
The focus remained on flexibility. What works during the school year may look different during breaks or weekends. Having options that adapt over time helps families stay consistent without creating extra hassle.
Gaming as Part of Family Life
The conversation closed with a broader look at how gaming fits into modern family life.
When approached thoughtfully, games can support creativity, social connection, and shared experiences. Rather than something to manage from a distance, gaming becomes another space where parents and kids can connect.
The overall message was simple. Staying involved, asking questions, and understanding how games fit into daily routines goes a long way toward creating a healthier relationship with play.
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