Bark - Parental Controls

I love, love, love this app, but I do have some suggestions. I know the iPhone part is tricky, but we’ve been experiencing something new with Bark the last couple of months that hasn’t happened in the year we’ve had the app. I would’ve given five stars if not for this, because it’s causing some issues in our home. In order for Bark to run a scan, my daughter’s phone prompts her to put in her passcode saying she trusts the computer. This is a big fail, because how often will kids “allow” their phone to be scanned. Plus, that just opens a door of resentment towards their parents as they are constantly reminded they are monitored (even though we don’t hide that from her, we also don’t rub it in her face). Or if they get that alert, then they have time to go and delete things before Bark can detect them since Bark cannot see deleted things. Which not being able to see deleted things is a bummer. Another thing to work on would be somehow make it to where the phone/devices can be scanned even if not on the same WiFi. Again, unable to scan gives kids time to delete/hide things. Sometimes our kids go on trips or to friends’ houses for a few days, we need to be able to keep an eye on them. We have a very good daughter, but she is still a teen that needs guidance and will make mistakes. I used to have peace of mind with Bark, but now that we can’t consistently monitor with that whole “passcode computer trust thing” (and combined with off WiFi not monitoring), I’m losing satisfaction 🙁

I’m still fairly new to the app, and setting up an iPhone is a little tricky, but the tech support is amazing and one zoom meeting got me squared away. I know my 14 year old son would prefer not to have this app, but I’ve explained the reasons to him and also that as he gets older, more freedom will be given to him. I think it’s unreasonable to assume that a young teenager with his first phone wouldn’t be tempted to all the things full access to the internet and social media would bring. This app, along with the iPhone screen time settings, helps me sleep a little easier at night. He and I have laughed a few times at how sensitive the Bark is, like when it flagged his grandmother for ‘bullying’ when she was griping about her cat 😂, but it’s also brought up some good conversations about words he was using with his friends that he didn’t fully know the meaning of. I believe most parents are just doing their best in this digital world, and kids are always going to be frustrated with rules and restrictions. Children, even teenagers, just have no comprehension of how many things online can warp their innocence, change their brains and cause long-lasting problems. Why wouldn’t parents do anything they could to protect them until they’re old enough to combat these issues themselves? I wouldn’t have been ready for the full weight of the internet and social media when I was 14. I wouldn’t have been at 20. So as long as I’m paying for my son’s phone, he’ll just have to realize that I’ll be doing my best to keep him safe. #SorryNotSorry

After two months of trying other recommended monitoring apps, I found Bark. I was struggling to get the phone to sync and Bark has a team if people who are thorough in making sure your questions and concerns are answered. They messaged me and emailed me I make sure I got the app installed and working. Any other app I tried wants to take over her phone, wasn’t user friendly and leaves you hours into just decide if the app works and what’s it format. Bark is easy! Clean. Concise. There is a strong team presence at Bark to make sure the app is downloaded and able to be utilize just through the trial. Imagine how amazing this experience will continue to be one you see what And how bark monitors our child’s activities. I’d spent several hour trying to set it up alone. Received help multiple times where I successuly linked Everything was finally downloaded and uploaded to where the app is working. The customer service and follow up that I’ve experienced since attempting to try this app, where now I am successfully using it- has been one of a kind customer service. Impeccable. Friendly. Personable. All virtual to. I’ve had multiple people reach out ensuring my last concern was resolved. Thank you to you and the team at Bark in assisting me in getting this app working. I already know this is what I will use to monitor my daughter and coach her in handling the difficulties children face with technology these days. Just only a day in, I love that the app alerts you about the alarming trends like bullying,depression, profanity etc. Then they provide insight how to talk to your child about the alerts so there is open dialogue. Thank you for the peace of mind!