This post contains affiliate links with my partners. This simply means I may make a small commission if you click and buy a product through the links on the website, but there is no additional cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products that I have vetted and believe will be helpful to my readers. This is my honest review of the Bark parental control app.
As a parent, I understand the importance of keeping our children safe while they use technology. With so many parental control apps available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. One popular parental control app is Bark. If you have ever looked into Bark, you know they offer two popular options: Bark Premium and Bark Jr. Confused as to which one you should choose? Don’t be. I will go over both options and share my experiences with Bark.
Setting up my Bark account
Bark is a parental control app that you can use to monitor your child’s online activity as well as text messages. Bark can be used on desktops, iPhones, androids, tablets, and iPads. I opted to sign up for Bark Premium versus Bark Jr. I will get into the differences shortly. You start by setting up an account. I downloaded the app to my iPhone and then went through the Setup Checklist. This was a relatively easy process. If you have downloaded one app then you already know what to do. The checklist was nicely laid out. You mostly just need your kid’s social media login information. My son doesn’t have an email so I don’t have any first-hand knowledge on setting that up, but the social media part was so easy, I would imagine it would be the same for email.
For example, I connected the YouTube account I let my son use. I just had to log in and once I did the Google/YouTube verification (they wanted to make sure it was me), I just had to give Bark the permissions that they were requesting. I also connected his Android tablet (Galaxy Tab A7). You can’t get Bark in the Google Play store due to Google’s policies for parental monitoring apps. However, Bark will provide a link or QR code that you can use to pull up the file on the tablet. I got a warning that I was downloading an unknown app, so I had to go into Settings to allow the app to download. Essentially, I had to enable unknown apps. You may experience something similar. It was not a big deal. However, I did switch the settings back to not allow such downloads just in case my son clicks on a bad link in the future. Once completed the download, I just opened the Bark app and received a device code to link the parent app to my son’s Bark app on his tablet. It was fairly easy. One thing I want to mention is, that by installing Bark on my son’s tablet, I am also able to monitor his Roblox account. This puts me at ease since nowadays, kids want to talk to each other online.
Bark Premium is a comprehensive parental control app that offers a wide range of features, including social media monitoring, web filtering, and screen time management. It also provides alerts for potential issues such as cyberbullying, online predators, and self-harm. Bark Premium has received positive reviews, myself included.
I opted for Bark Premium because I wanted my son’s YouTube to be monitored. From the description of Bark Jr, that was not going to happen as thoroughly as I would like. Bark Jr only lets you create a screen time schedule, block websites or apps and has location alerts. I think Bark Jr is good if your child is younger, is not on social media, and does not play online video games that include a chat feature.
In fact, on their website, Bark explains that the Bark Jr options is designed specifically for younger children and offers a simpler set of features. The Bark Jr version includes content filtering, screen time management, and location tracking. While it may not have as many features as Bark Premium, it is a great option for parents with younger children who are just starting to use technology.
Bark Parental Control Dashboard (affiliate link below in picture)
Bark Premium: Key Features
As I researched the Bark Premium parental control app, I found several key features that stood out to me.
First, Bark Premium provides comprehensive monitoring across 30+ apps and social media platforms, text messaging, and email. This means that parents can keep track of their child’s online activity, including potentially harmful content and interactions.
Secondly, Bark Premium offers alerts for potential issues such as cyberbullying, online predators, and signs of depression. These alerts are sent directly to parents’ phones, in addition to tips on how to address the situation.
Additionally, Bark Premium includes screen time management features, enabling parents to set time limits and schedules for their child’s device usage. This can help prevent excessive screen time and promote healthy habits.
Finally, Bark Premium includes a location-sharing feature that alerts you when your child arrives or leaves a certain location. This feature can provide peace of mind for parents and help foster open communication between parents and children.
Overall, I found that Bark Premium offers a robust set of features that can help parents keep their children safe online.
Bark Jr: Key Features
While I ultimately chose Bark Premium, I did look into Bark Jr. Bark Jr offers a wide range of features to help your child’s online activity. Some of the key features that stood out to me include:
- Content Filtering: Bark Jr allows you to filter out inappropriate content and websites that you don’t want your child to access. You can customize the filters based on your preferences.
- Screen Time Management: With Bark Jr, you can set limits on the amount of time your child spends on their device. This feature helps you to ensure that your child is not spending too much time on their phone or tablet.
- Location Alerts: With Bark Jr, you can add frequently destinations such as home and school. Then you can get an alert when they come or go.
Overall, I think Bark Jr might be a viable option for younger kids or kids who don’t do much with social media.
Price
Bark Premium is $14 plus tax per month or you can pay $99 plus tax for an annual subscription. You save 41% if you select the annual option versus paying monthly. For Bark Jr, you pay either $5 plus tax per month or $49 plus tax for an annual subscription. Bark Jr has an 18% savings with an annual subscription. If you are unsure, they do offer a free 7-day trial.
Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?
Regarding Bark Premium and Bark Jr, I believe they are both excellent parental control apps that offer valuable features to parents. However, which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and concerns.
If you are looking for a comprehensive parental control app that can monitor your child’s social media, text messages, and online activity, Bark Premium is the way to go. With its advanced AI technology, it can detect potential dangers and alert you in real time. Additionally, Bark Premium offers screen time management and web filtering features to help ensure your child’s safety online.
On the other hand, if you are mainly concerned about your child’s screen time and want a simple app that can help you manage it, Bark Jr is an excellent choice. It allows you to set limits on your child’s device usage and monitor their activity. Additionally, Bark Jr offers a location tracking feature to ensure your child’s safety when they are out and about.
Overall, both Bark Premium and Bark Jr are great options, and it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and concerns. If you want a comprehensive parental control app, go for Bark Premium. If you mainly want to manage your child’s screen time, Bark Jr is the way to go. You can try out either app using the 7-day free trial. If you are interested in either Bark Premium or Bark Jr, you can purchase using my affiliate link. I make a small commission and there is no extra cost to you. And as always, using the link does not obligate you to purchase anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features of Bark Premium and Bark Jr parental control app?
Both Bark Premium and Bark Jr offer a range of features to help parents monitor their child’s online activity. Bark Premium includes features such as monitoring of text messages, social media, emails, and web browsing, as well as alerts for potential issues such as cyberbullying, online predators, and suicidal ideation. Bark Jr, on the other hand, offers more basic monitoring features such as screen time management and web filtering.
What are the differences between Bark Premium and Bark Jr parental control app?
The main difference between Bark Premium and Bark Jr is the level of monitoring and control that parents have over their child’s online activity. Bark Premium offers more comprehensive monitoring and alerts for potential issues, while Bark Jr offers more basic monitoring features. Additionally, Bark Premium is designed for older children, while Bark Jr is designed specifically for younger children.
Is Bark app hidden from my child’s phone?
No, the Bark app is not hidden from your child’s phone. In fact, it is important that your child knows that the app is installed and what it is used for. This helps to build trust and open communication between you and your child about their online activity.
What apps does Bark monitor on my child’s phone?
Bark Premium can monitor a wide range of apps on your child’s phone, including social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, as well as messaging apps like WhatsApp and Kik. Bark can also monitor email, web browsing, and other online activity.
