Bark vs Apple Screen Time
Learn how the Bark Premium app stacks up against Apple Screen Time.
Compare the Features
Bark vs. Apple Screen Time
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Screen time schedules
Bark
Set custom rules for school time, bedtime, and free time.
Apple Screen Time
Only allows Downtime.
Create one set of app and/or website limits to be applied.
Can also set weekly or daily downtime schedule.
Blocking
Bark
Block specific sites and apps or choose from 19 categories, including adult content, gaming, and streaming sites — all on any browser.
Apple Screen Time
Block specific sites and can block adult content as a category.
Anytime internet pausing
Bark
Disable the internet whenever needed — no matter where your kids are.
Apple Screen Time
Does not have an instant internet pause toggle, however you can manually adjust Screen Time/Downtime settings as needed to restrict internet access.
Content monitoring
Bark
Scans online activities like texts, emails, and social media platforms for concerning content across 29 categories.
Apple Screen Time
Messages includes tools that warn children and provide helpful resources if they receive or attempt to send photos that may contain nudity. Parents are not notified; children have the option to message an adult that they trust about the photo if they choose to.
Alerts parents to potential dangers
Bark
Get email/text notifications for issues like cyberbullying and sexual content.
Apple Screen Time
Your child can receive a pop-up warning for messages that include nudity, but they can still choose to see the image. You as the parent will not be notified unless your child chooses to tell you.
YouTube restricted mode
Bark
Keep restrictions in place no matter how YouTube is accessed while connected to Bark.
Apple Screen Time
Must be manually turned on within the YouTube app and children may make changes to this setting.
Child opt-out disabled
Bark
Prevent children under 18 from opting out of Bark.
Apple Screen Time
Any family member age 13 or older can remove themselves from a Family Group.
Works with Androids and iPhones
Bark
Manage all your family’s devices easily with one app.
Apple Screen Time
Only works with iOS devices.
With Bark, you can:
Monitor content
Get alerts for issues like bullying, predators, sexual content, and more.
Manage screen time
Create custom daily screen time schedules for your child’s device.
Block websites
Block access to specific websites or even whole categories.
Track location
Stay on top of your child’s location with our real-time map, location alerts, and check-ins.
Our Products & Prices
Bark App – Premium / Android
Comprehensive monitoring & parental control solution.
$14 USD/month
$99 USD/year with annual plan
Features
- Monitor texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms
- Monitor web searches and saved photos & videos
- Receive alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, & more
- Get insights into your child’s digital activities
- Keep up with kids with real-time GPS tracking & location alerts
- Manage screen time
- Block websites and apps
- Monitor unlimited devices and kids with one subscription
- Manage everything from the Bark parent app
Bark App – Jr
Our entry-level product is perfect for younger kids.
$5 USD/month
$49 USD/year with annual plan
Features
- Manage screen time
- Filter which websites your kids can visit
- Keep up with kids with location alerts and check-ins
- Monitor texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms
- Get alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more
FAQs
How does Bark work?
Once you connect your child's devices and accounts, Bark runs quietly in the background — no daily effort needed. Here's the basic flow:
1. Bark monitors your child's online activity
Bark scans texts, social media, emails, web searches, and saved photos and videos across your child's devices. Rather than flagging every message, it uses advanced AI and natural language processing to understand context — so it knows the difference between a kid venting about homework and a kid who's genuinely struggling.
2. You get an alert when something needs your attention
If Bark detects a potential issue — like signs of bullying, predatory behavior, suicidal ideation, or explicit content — it sends you an alert right away, along with context and guidance on how to address it.
3. You stay in control of the rest
Beyond monitoring, you can manage screen time schedules, block websites and apps by category, and track your child's location with live GPS and check-ins — all from the Bark parent app. For a deeper look, visit our How Bark Works page.
How do I get started with Bark?
The easiest way to get started is to visit our sign-up page or download the Bark parent app ( iOS, Android) — from there, you'll be guided through setup step by step.
How does Bark's phone monitoring app for parents compare with others?
Bark's phone monitoring app for parents not only provides comprehensive coverage for all the top apps and devices, but also takes the crucial extra step of helping families navigate the issues raised by alerts.
How is Bark's screen time feature different from Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link?
With Bark, you can manage your children’s screen time from your own phone via the Bark app or website, regardless of whether you have an iPhone and your kids have an Android (or vice versa).
In terms of web filtering, Apple's Screen Time and Google Family Link web filters only block general content. Bark, on the other hand, breaks down a wide range of categories and exceptions to enable a more customized and refined level of protection.
Ready to get started?
Bark was created by parents, for parents, to offer a better, easier, and more effective way to help families create healthy digital habits.