Bark
Parental control service — monitors texts, social media, and web for safety, with AI alerts and screen time management
| What is it | Parental control service — monitors texts, social media, and web for safety, with AI alerts and screen time management |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid — from $6/mo |
| Free tier | No |
| Platform | Web Application |
| Works with | Zapier |
| Best for | monitoring a child's online activity for signs of danger, receiving real-time alerts about bullying or self-harm |
| Domain registered | 2004 |
Data updated Aug. 1, 2026
What does Bark do?
Bark is a parental control service that helps you keep an eye on your kid's digital life. It scans text messages, over 30 social media platforms, web browsers, emails, and other online activity for anything concerning. When it spots potential trouble — like bullying, suicidal thoughts, or sexual content — it sends you a clear alert. It also manages screen time, blocks apps and websites, and tracks location via GPS.
How does it work? Bark uses AI to understand context, not just flag keywords. So a joke between friends won't trigger a false alarm the way a simple keyword filter might. The AI analyzes text, images, videos, and even audio from devices. You get a personalized report with expert guidance attached to each alert, making it easier to know how to respond. You can also adjust settings on the fly from the parent dashboard — change schedules, pause the internet, or approve contacts with a tap. For iOS families, Bark Sync scans iPhones and iPads while charging; they even sell a Bark Phone with monitoring built right in.
The service is most useful for parents of kids and teens who have their own phones, tablets, or computers. It covers real-world use cases like detecting early signs of self-harm or depression, catching online bullying before it escalates, and setting healthy boundaries around screen time. If you've ever worried about what your child is doing online and wanted more than a basic content filter, Bark gives you actionable alerts and a way to step in.
Key features
What makes it stand outWho is Bark for?
Who benefits most from this toolPricing
Bark Phone Pro
- Add unlimited devices & accounts
- Powerful website & app blocking
- Location tracking & alerts
- Text, app & social media monitoring
- Alerts for potential dangers
- Custom screen time schedules
- Prevent text deletion
- Remote alarms
- App & contact approvals
- Gorilla® Glass Victus+ screen
- IP68 water resistance
- Faster processor & more memory
Bark Phone
- Add unlimited devices & accounts
- Powerful website & app blocking
- Location tracking & alerts
- Text, app & social media monitoring
- Alerts for potential dangers
- Custom screen time schedules
- Prevent text deletion
- Remote alarms
- App & contact approvals
Bark Watch
- Add unlimited devices & accounts
- No games, browsers or social media
- Location tracking & alerts
- Text, photo & video monitoring
- Alerts for potential dangers
- Custom screen time schedules
- Prevent text deletion
- Remote alarms
- Contact management
Bark App
Bark Home
Trust & presence
Gallery
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