Today’s world vastly differs from the one many new parents grew up in. Technology has become a constant part of daily life for adults and children because the internet is more than just a source of information for use on Google. The internet has become connected to every aspect of living, such as smart home devices, vehicles, printers, security cameras and kitchen appliances. With so many touchpoints in the online world, kids today video chat with friends across the globe, play interactive games with peers in different cultures and access endless educational resources customized to their needs.
Unfortunately, while the internet offers tremendous benefits, it can also expose children to risks that the current generation of parents didn’t have to face. Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and the mental health effects of too much screen time are just a few of the potential dangers. For parents, navigating this digital landscape can be daunting, but it’s a necessary part of raising children in today’s world. Parents are responsible for ensuring their kids’ safety online while allowing them to take advantage of the many positive aspects of the internet.
Phones For Kids Are Necessary
The rise of smartphones and constant internet access has made monitoring children’s online activities more challenging than ever. Teens now have access to a smartphone, and nearly half of them report being online “almost constantly.” With this level of connectivity, it’s no surprise that children are more vulnerable to online threats, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. A report from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) found that children aged 8 to 12 spend an average of four to six hours per day on screens. In comparison, teens spend an average of nine hours per day. The AACAP reports that excessive screen time is associated with numerous developmental issues.
Excessive screen time has been linked to a variety of health problems in children, from sleep disturbances to behavioral issues. The demand for a dedicated phone for kids has steadily increased as devices became more accessible, and these purpose-built phones are designed to help parents safeguard their kids online. The Bark Phone allows parents to monitor, guide and limit their children’s activities online.
The Bark Phone: Key Features
When shopping around, most parents usually look for the best-priced option. The Bark Phone is a modern solution filled with a suite of tools that many parents rely on. These tools are thoughtfully planned to help parents effectively manage their kids’ digital experiences. Some of the standout features that make Bark popular in so many households include:
- Content Monitoring: Bark goes beyond basic content filtering. Using advanced algorithms, Bark monitors the child’s activity across multiple platforms, including social media, messaging apps and emails. This monitoring isn’t limited to flagging explicit or inappropriate content. The Bark Phone is designed to understand contextual language and to flag hidden innuendo. Whether it’s subtle cyberbullying or inappropriate use of emojis, the Bark Phone notifies parents by sending alerts when potential risks are detected.
- Screen Time and Website Blocking: One of the bigger challenges for parents today is managing how much time their children spend on screens. Bark provides a screen time management tool that allows parents to set specific daily limits on device usage. In addition to screen time limitations, the Bark Phone also comes with a website-blocking feature that allows parents to block specific websites or entire categories of content.
- Real-Time Location Tracking: Besides monitoring digital activity, Bark gives parents peace of mind through real-time location tracking. Location tracking is an effective tool for fostering trust and open communication between parents and their children. When used transparently, location tracking allows parents to have peace of mind about where their children are without being helicopter parents.
Why Bark Stands Out
The market is flooded with phones for kids, but Bark stays ahead of the competition by regularly updating monitoring tools to capture new language and behaviors that could pose risks. The Bark Phone proactively updates its algorithms to keep up with current digital trends, making choosing the right phone for kids easy. In today’s fast-paced digital age, finding a phone for kids that evolves with the times makes all the difference. Learn more about the Bark Phone for kids today!
Variety AU/NZ newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.