(Rated 12+, Productivity)
Bark is an app that parents use to keep an eye on what their kids are doing on their devices. They have just created a new phone with everything in one place. I have checked out a lot of phones and watches for kids, and even though I haven’t used the Bark App, I was curious to see how my two young kids would like the new phone.
What Is The Bark Phone?
The Bark Phone is a particular type of phone for kids that uses a customized version of Android software made by Bark. It’s like a regular Samsung Galaxy phone but with some extra features that help parents control what their child can do on the phone. One of the things that makes Bark unique is that it has a lot of experience in assisting parents to keep their kids safe online.
With this app and website, you can control what your child can do on their phone. It can monitor what they see or receive and alert you if anything seems strange. The phone itself is pretty good, but not very fancy-looking. You can decide what your child has access to so they can still have fun with lots of different apps while you can relax.
How Much Does It Cost?
This phone differs from others you might buy because you don’t pay for it all at once. Instead, you pay for it a little bit each month. This includes everything you need for the phone, like the service and the extra features. The price starts at $49 monthly, and you can only buy it on the Bark website. Currently, the Bark Phone only comes in one type, the Galaxy A13.
As mentioned earlier, we’re considering the Samsung Galaxy A13, one of the best affordable Android phones available in 2022. This phone is perfect for older kids who don’t want a phone that looks or feels designed for little ones. It has a sleek design with a large 6.6-inch screen, a quad-camera system on the back, a fingerprint reader, and more.
Buying a Bark Phone will come with a case, which is great because it saves you money. However, the point is pretty primary and black, so it won’t make your phone look extra stylish. You’ll also get a USB-C charging cable, but you won’t get a charging brick to use with it. This means you won’t be able to take advantage of the fast charging feature and recharge the phone’s 5,000mAh battery. But don’t worry; plenty of USB-C chargers are available for purchase if you need one.
When you get a phone with Bark services, you get extra features built into it. These features let you stop text messages from being deleted, set alarms remotely, and approve which apps and contacts can be used. These are pretty valuable benefits. But if you stop using Bark, you must return the phone.
Monitoring Management
As a parent, you can manage everything related to your child’s phone using the Bark companion app. This app allows you to control various settings, such as allowing or disallowing texting, whether your child can delete texts, how much time they can spend on their phone, and even track their location. The app is easy to use and well-organized, with clear explanations for each setting.
As a parent, you can allow your child to choose which apps they want to install from the Google Play Store. Depending on your settings and your child’s age, some apps may appear in a search but won’t be available to install. If your child tries to install an app that needs your approval, they’ll be notified that it’s waiting for your permission. And they won’t be able to use that app until you say it’s okay.
Deciding whether to let an app access your phone is pretty straightforward. You can choose to say yes or no. If you say yes, you can also limit how much you use the app and when you can use it. What’s cool about the Play Store is that even if you later decide to say no to letting an app use it, any apps you’ve already installed will still work like normal.
One of the most exciting parts of the app is called Insights. It lets you see how much time your child spends on different apps, what they are doing on their device, how many things the app has looked at, if there are any alerts, what new apps have been installed, and whether their conversations are positive or negative. You can also see which websites they have visited and whether they were allowed or blocked. This is very helpful for parents who want to keep their children safe while using technology.
Our Recommendation
If you’re looking for a phone that can “grow” with your child and has a wide range of parental controls, the Bark Phone might be a good option. It can also alert you if suspicious activity is on your child’s phone. Additionally, there are apps available for your child to use. However, if you prefer to buy and fully own the phone or don’t have good T-Mobile coverage in your area, the Bark Phone might not be the best choice for you.
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