BARK FOR SCHOOLS
BARK FOR SCHOOLS
At AISJ, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, both online and offline. That's why we've partnered with Bark, a leading online safety platform, to offer Bark for Schools+.
What is Bark for Schools+ and how does it work?
Bark for Schools+ is a proactive monitoring tool that helps us identify potential safety concerns related to your child's AISJ Google account. This includes:
Cyberbullying and harassment
Depression and suicidal ideation
Drug and alcohol use
Self-harm
Predator contact
Explicit content
And more
Bark for Schools+ works by analyzing your child's activity on their AISJ Google account, please see below the services that's being monitored:
Google Mail (Gmail)
Google Chat
Google Drive (All data saved in Google drive)
Pictures inside of Google Drive
If the system detects any text or images that indicate a potential risk, it will send an alert to our school administrators.
What happens when an alert is received?
The divisional counselors and Principals will carefully review the alert and determine the best course of action. In some cases, they may contact you directly to discuss the situation and offer support. In other cases, they may work with you and your child to develop a safety plan.
What are the benefits of Bark for Schools+ for parents?
Peace of mind: Knowing that your child is being monitored for potential threats can give you peace of mind.
Early intervention: Bark for Schools+ can help identify and address potential problems early on, before they become more serious.
Open communication: We believe in open communication and will always keep you informed of any concerns we have about your child's online activity.
Additional support: We are here to support you and your child in any way we can. We offer a variety of resources and services to help you keep your child safe online.
How can I learn more about Bark for Schools+?
We encourage you to visit the Bark for Schools website for more information:
https://www.bark.us/schools/emergency-school-alerts
Privacy and Trust: Our Core Priorities
At AISJ, we understand the delicate balance between ensuring student safety and respecting their privacy. With Bark for Schools+, this balance is a central focus.
Selective Monitoring: Bark for Schools+ does not provide unrestricted access to your child's every digital move. Instead, it selectively monitors for specific types of content related to safety concerns. This approach is about protecting students, not invading their privacy.
Data Protection: We take data security seriously. All information processed by Bark for Schools+ is handled with strict confidentiality and robust security measures, ensuring that your child's data is safe and protected.
Transparency in Alerts: When Bark detects potential issues, the alerts are carefully reviewed by designated school personnel. This process ensures that any action taken is appropriate and respectful of the student’s privacy and dignity.
Compliance with Regulations: Bark for Schools+ adheres to all applicable privacy laws and educational guidelines, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), ensuring that our students' rights and privacy are always upheld.
For more information, please see below:
https://bark-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/guides/Safety_Compliance_BarkForSchools.pdf
Building a Foundation of Trust
We believe in fostering a trusting environment where students feel safe and parents are assured of their children's well-being. With Bark for Schools+, we strive to maintain this trust, ensuring our digital safety measures align with our commitment to respect and protect every member of our school community
Together, we can create a safe and supportive online learning environment for all students.