Bark has an edge because of its content-identification software, real-time location tracking with pinpoint accuracy, and flexible scheduling system. These features make this app stand out in the world of parental control. So, let’s explore the Bark key features in more detail!

Web and app filtering

The Bark app allows you to customize the content filters and limits. After you do that, you’ll get an alert for any potentially suspicious activity that it detects, like cyberbullying, a predator, a sexual event, violent threats, suicidal thoughts, or signs of depression. You’ll receive the alert as a text, an email, or a push notification.

Bark’s advanced machine learning algorithms also enable it to block websites associated with some of the latest slang and keywords.

Unfortunately, Bark has a minor limitation regarding web and app filtering. Unlike some other parental control apps, it can’t block offline apps, meaning your kids can still be exposed to some risks if they’re offline.

Scheduling

Bark also lets you set screen time schedules, for example, to limit screen time after bedtime, which is controlled by shutting down streaming and gaming. Or you can even implement these limits during school time. This includes blocking websites to keep children away from sites you do not want them to visit.

However, Bark lacks strict app time limits, as you can only restrict access to certain activities but not apps. Therefore, you can block their internet access entirely or choose a particular activity, like gaming.

Content monitoring

Bark allows you to monitor over 30 online activities, like texts, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media apps. Once you select the content you would like to track, Bark will conduct ongoing content monitoring.

This is possible as, unlike other app control apps that rely only on keywords, Bark utilizes advanced AI algorithms to screen social media, texts, emails, and images for content across 15+ categories, including anxiety, bullying, weapons, drugs, violence, and self-harm.

Bark scans sent emails, received emails, and image attachments. In contrast, it can only monitor text content on most social media apps and messages. That means your teen could still access inappropriate content through social media, such as videos and images.

Another potential drawback is that Bark has limited real-time access to content monitoring, especially on iOS apps.

Location tracking and Geo-Fencing

Bark helps you track your kid’s real-time location, get alerts, and determine if they’re walking, biking, or driving. What’s also great is that you can see how fast they’re moving. Aside from the full location tracking, you will receive alerts when your kid leaves or arrives home or at school. Due to this, you don’t have to open the map app to see where your kid is.

Unfortunately, while the real-time tracking itself exceeds my expectations, it seems Bark has a limited range of geofencing compared to other parental control apps.

Activity reports

Last but not least, Bark comes with activity reports that give you insights into your child’s screen use, regardless of whether it’s recently installed apps or top contacts. You’ll even receive weekly summary reports on your email, SMS texts, or the Bark app about any suspicious activities your child was exposed to.

Unfortunately, the only drawback is that Bark doesn’t give you a detailed app and browser history, so you won’t see what your kid has been searching about in the last week.

Bark parental controls plans & pricing

The Bark app offers two pricing plan options: Bark Premium and Bark Jr. A single subscription covers every child and device in your family, with no limit on accounts (unlike parental apps such as Qustodio or Norton Family), devices, or kids.