Bark lets you manage what your kid can access on their device and when — whether that means no social media after bedtime., no YouTube during school hours, or something else entirely.
Types of Routines
Prefer to stick to one solid ruleset to keep it simple? Just focus on the Default Rules routine!
Otherwise, use these routines to schedule automatic rules throughout the day or week.
For example:
🟪 Bedtime: Limit device usage when it’s time for lights out. Customize what kids can access during Bedtime.
🟩 School time: Limit what can be accessed during the school day. Customize the apps/sites they need for school or homework, like Zoom or Google Workspace.
🟨 Free time: Dedicated time to use devices just for fun.
🟦 Any other time (Default rules): The default rules when other routines aren't scheduled.
How to schedule routines
On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name.
Scroll down to Schedule.
To schedule a routine, tap the gray +Add.
To edit the existing schedule of a routine, tap on the
top right of the routine.To apply a temporary override for a routine, tap Start or Delay, whichever applicable.
To view your schedule in a week format, tap the 🗓️ calendar to the right of Schedule.
To delete a routine, tap the 🗓️ calendar to the right of Schedule, tap the routine, and then tap the
trash can.
Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.
How your kid sees routine changes...
Your child can also see the current active routine at any time by tapping into the
Bark Kids app.
How to customize rules per routine
On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name.
Scroll down to Settings.
Tap Apps & Internet.
Tap Rules to manage rules for a routine. The routine currently in effect says Active.
Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.
Copy rules
You can copy the screen time routine and app blocking rules you've set up for another kid, saving you time.
Learn more: Copy screen time rules from one kid to another
App Block vs. Category Block
You can block specific apps or you can block all apps and sites within a category — like blocking only Netflix or all streaming apps.
Our categories cover tens of thousands of apps and sites. If you don't see a particular app listed, it is likely covered by a category rule.
You're also able to block a category while allowing an app within that category. For example, you can block the Social Media category and also allow the Discord app.
Daily Time Limits vs. Routines
As discussed in this article, routines help you set schedules for your kid's app and site time. You can pick specific blocks during the week that they can use their favorite apps.
But sometimes you don't care when they use those apps, you just want to make sure they don't go overboard. That's where Bark Phone's daily time limits come in! You can set a maximum number of minutes or hours per day for app usage. It's an easy way to keep things in check without worrying about the clock.
Need additional assistance?
Check out our troubleshooting guide. If you still need help, don't hesitate to reach out to us!