Setup Checklist for Online Safety

1. Set Up Your Bark Parent/Guardian Account

2. Enable Parental Controls (block and filter content you never want them to access)

3. Set Healthy Screen Time Limits (using our customizable schedule) 

4. Finish Account Settings 

A couple of things to know as you get started:

• Bark Jr includes screen time & web filtering for unlimited children and unlimited iOS & Android devices.
• We recommend first setting up the devices that your child has access to, followed by connecting their shared devices.
• If you'd like to also monitor your child's text messages, photos, videos, and social media for potential problems (like bullying, self-harm, sexual content, or anything else that may be alarming), consider trialing our Bark Premium subscription plan instead! (You can always change from Premium to Jr at any time.)

Let's Get Started!

1. Set up Bark Parent/Guardian Account

• Add your children.

• Select the device(s) that you know your children use.
  Bark offers screen time & web filtering for Android and iOS devices. If you'd like to add other types of devices (like computers or gaming consoles), consider the Bark Home add-on!
• Add your payment information.
  Payment information from a parent/guardian is required by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to give Bark consent to monitor your children's devices. You will not be billed until the end of your trial. You can change your plan or cancel at any time!

2. Enable Parental Controls

Our on-the-go parental controls are also known as Screen Time and Web Filtering. To be able to block apps and filter sites on your child's phone or tablet, follow the applicable instructions below.

• For Android: Install the Bark for Kids app  on the child's device.
  Download from bark.us/android (not the Google Play app store). 
  
  
• For iOS: Install the Bark Kids app  on the child's device.
  Download from the Apple App Store. 
  
  

3. Set Healthy Screen Time Limits

You can manage your child's screen time schedule and web filtering rules at any time. Below we include some quick tips to get you started!

Set a Schedule

Default rules: The default app and web filters when another rule isn’t currently applied. Make sure to customize this one! Bedtime: Limit device usage when it’s time for lights out and customize what kids can access during that time. School time: Limit what can be accessed during the school day.  Free time: Dedicated time to use devices just for fun and customize what they can access during their fun time.

Customize the Rules

When you customize each ruleset, you have the option to allow or block whole categories (think Social Media) or particular apps (think Snapchat). Our categories cover millions of apps and sites, so if you don't see an app listed, chances are it's covered under a category like Games or Social Media. You can also input specific sites and apps as exceptions. After making changes, please allow a few minutes for your rules to take effect.

4. Set Alert Notification Settings

• Add emails to receive alerts (can include partner, spouse, or family member's emails).
• Add a US phone number if you'd like to receive text notifications for alerts.

You did it! You got through the first-time setup! You can add or remove devices at any time with no additional cost. 

Want to filter any in-home device?

Consider the Bark Home as an add-on to your family's safety tools. Bark Home is a small piece of hardware that you connect to your home Wi-Fi router. Once activated, it allows you to apply web filtering and screen time rules to any internet device in your home (not just iOS and Android devices!).

• What is Bark Home?
• Where can I purchase Bark Home?

Stuck or just need help?

Bark Support has your back! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.