Parental controls reimagined

Bark’s artificial intelligence (AI) scans for worrisome content in children’s texts, emails, photos, videos, and content in 30+ apps and social media platforms. Our state-of-the-art AI does more than flag simple keywords, however. Bark’s algorithm analyzes language in context and is trained to recognize the ever-evolving nuances of kid, tween, and teen slang — including memes, emojis, and more.

Yes, Bark analyzes images and videos associated with a message or that are stored on a device. They're analyzed for nudity, violence, and other inappropriate content, including text added to the images.

You can download and install the Bark app on an unlimited number and a wide variety of your child’s devices, including:

iOS iPhones & tablets

Android phones & tablets

Laptops & computers

Kindle Fires

In addition to physical devices — where Bark monitors photos & videos, texts, and more saved to the device itself — Bark can also be connected to apps and social media platforms to monitor content (with different devices allowing different levels of monitoring). 

Here are a sample of some of the most commonly monitored apps:

• YouTube
• Gmail
• GroupMe
• WhatsApp
• Roblox
• Reddit
• Instagram
• Snapchat
• Chrome, Firefox, & other browsers for websites
• Dozens more

Check out the full list of everything that Bark monitors here.

As kids grow into adults, we believe they need to learn how to live and thrive with technology — which is why we don’t give parents unfettered access to their kids’ online activities. Instead, Bark only alerts parents to potentially concerning situations. Kids can keep their privacy, and parents can save time by not having to scroll through every message.

We also have strenuous safeguards in place to protect your family’s data. All databases, physical servers, and web browsing sessions are encrypted to help secure your child’s data and give you peace of mind that their information is protected. We also comply with more privacy regulations than are legally required of us.

Bark's website blocking app gives you comprehensive customization options! You can manually input specific websites and apps or use our pre-built categories to make it simple. Every single item can be toggled on or off as you choose. You can also create exceptions within each, if needed.

Yes, Bark allows you to pause all internet activity (other than calls and texts for emergency purposes) with the tap of a button!

Bark’s location features include real-time tracking on a map, location alerts and check-ins! Combined, they give you peace of mind that comes with knowing that your kid is actually where they're supposed to be at a given time.

You can use Bark's location tracking features to be alerted to your child's movements throughout their day! Need to know that they got home from school safely? Done. Want to be sure they actually went to their friend's house? You got it. Want to be alerted if they try to sneak out at night? Definitely. The possibilities are truly endless.

Bark's iOS parental controls include content monitoring, website blocking, screen time management, and location sharing! Apple places certain restrictions on what can be managed on iOS devices, but Bark provides the most comprehensive coverage to help protect your kid as they spend time online.

Bark's parental controls for Androids give you the power to monitor your child’s online activities in a groundbreaking way. 

Our content monitoring uses advanced AI to scan messages, posts, comments, replies, web searches, and so much more to find potential dangers. If something concerning is found, you’ll get a timely alert so you can check in and make sure everything is okay. Learn more about what Bark monitors on Android devices here.

In addition to monitoring, Bark also lets you manage screen time, block websites & apps, and track location 24/7.

These key features work together to build a powerful digital safety net to help you protect your child online and in real life.

When you sign up for Bark Premium or Bark Jr (our apps), you’ll have the full trial period to decide if you want to become a paid subscriber. Even though we require a credit card for COPPA verification, we won’t charge it until your 7-day trial is over.

The Bark app is currently available in the United States, South Africa, Guam, and Australia. We’re continually working to bring Bark to more families around the world.