Bark

It's so simple! - Jim Gaffigan

You'll be saying that phrase too when you discover how easy Bark is to install and monitor your child's devices! If your device is relatively new, the process is simple. But if you have an older iPad or other device, there are some back steps you'll have to take to install. Its still feasible, just a little bit longer process.

Bark itself is a user friendly app that allows you to put multiple profiles on the main parent page so you can click each child's individual profile and alter time limits or app usage. When using the Bark app, you can ask your child to 'check in' wherever they are and it will send a push notification to your child so that they then have to click 'check in' and it will immediately notify you exactly where your child is located. Bark also allows you to block websites, alter time usage, request access to download apps, and so much more.

Bark also offers a range of devices to pick from for your child in various levels of 'lock down'. These phones are preinstalled with Bark and have a higher level of protection for your child. When you look at the phones offered, they ask you a few questions about where you are located and what type of parental controls you might be looking for. They then offer up various payment plans and its as easy as 'add to cart'!

Once the Bark phone arrives, it will be on their own network. This phone is completely locked down which means that even if your child tries to switch out the SIM card and get on a different wifi network or cell carrier, the phone itself will lock up and not work! In order to 'jail break' the phone, your child would have to go in and completely reset the BIOS. Its a lengthy process and you would be immediately notified at the first level of any change from the Bark network. It also notifies you when your child has turned their device on and off!

This is a wonderful option for a first phone and as long as coverage is good in your area, this is a worthwhile purchase.

Finally, Bark offers what they call Bark Home. This is another option for a whole home router with easy access to parental controls and turning off the internet with a click of the button! A simple 'plug and play' installation.