Bark products for monitoring kids’ digital consumption
Bark has arrived on the market targeting all the adults in the room: its Big Brother-esque devices tout heavy monitoring options for parents, and the ability to turn off bells, whistles, and browsing.
The Bark Phone (+ plan) that can be heavily monitored/restricted, and you can choose whether to allow apps, social media, or browsers. Their value prop is clearly control: parents can add or remove features at any time, and keep a close eye on phone activity, even setting up alerts. Prices start at $10/mo.
The Bark Watch (+ plan) is a smartwatch for kids without any apps; it lets them make or receive calls and texts, track fitness stats, and shoot photos and videos. Plans start at $7/mo. and you can add extra protection insurance on top of that. Similar to the phone, you as the parent can track all activity, including text messages, and it can alert you if there’s any perceived “danger” or bullying in those messages.
The Bark Home device basically is a parental control layer on top of your router: it allows you to set time limits, restrict specific content, and turn off access to any and all devices (mobile phones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, tablets, and computers). Prices start at $6/mo.
The Bark App is Mission Control for parental oversight, and you can use it either alone (with your own devices) or in tandem with any of their other products. Starting at $14/mo., It allows you to:
Monitor texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms
Monitor web searches and saved photos & videos
Receive parental monitoring alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more
Get insights into your child’s digital activities
Learn how to address issues with child-psychologist advice and tips
Free access to Talkspace Go
Manage screen time
Block website and apps
Keep up with kids with location alerts and check-ins
Explore their products at bark.us
