Bark lets you set screen time rules that work for your child’s needs, whether that means no social media after 9 p.m., no YouTube during school hours, or something else entirely. Learn more below!
Start Here
- Log in to your Bark dashboard or app.
- Tap on the Screen Time tile.
- Tap on Devices to verify their phones and tablets are set up.
- Then, click on Rules to make changes to their screen time rules and schedule.
Customize Current Rules
- Click on Screen Time and then on ⚙ Settings.
- Choose what you'd like to customize:
- Apps & websites
- Device settings (Bark Phone only)
- Exceptions - Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.
Schedule Routines
- Click on Screen Time and then on 📅 Schedule.
- Tap the ➕ button.
- Schedule a routine.
- Verify your time zone.
- Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.
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.
Customize Routines
- Click on Screen Time and then on 📅 Schedule.
- Find and click on the routine you'd like to customize.
- Tap on Edit to change the date or time of that routine.
- Select Rules to change what apps and sites they can access during that routine.
- Click on
Trash to delete that routine.
- Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.
App Block vs. Category Block
You can block specific apps or you can block all apps and sites within a category.
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.
Device settings (Bark Phone only)
We created the Bark Phone to give you customizable controls that can grow with your kids.
Here, you can allow or block texting, the camera, and web browsing.
Learn more about managing your kid's Bark Phone.
Switch rules for special occasions
Use Switch rules in situations where you don't want to alter the whole weekly schedule for a one-time event.
For example:
- Extra homework time
- School holidays
- Vacations
- Rewarding good behavior
Pause all devices
When you Pause all devices under a child's screen time settings, you are pausing the internet on their devices. In other words, you are blocking all internet access.
Learn more: Pausing the Internet
Need additional assistance?
Check out our troubleshooting guide. If still no luck, don't hesitate to reach out to us!
