Parenting in a tech-driven world can feel overwhelming. The devices we provide our kids offer countless opportunities for learning and connection, but they also carry risks. From exposure to harmful content to the challenges of managing screen time, today’s digital age presents unique obstacles for families. That’s where parental control apps like Bark step in. These tools help parents keep an eye on their child’s online activity while promoting a balance between independence and safety.
But Bark isn’t the only option out there. If you’re a parent searching for more apps like Bark, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of Bark alternative apps with distinct features to suit different needs. Some of these apps excel at comprehensive monitoring, while others focus on limiting screen time or filtering content.
This guide will introduce you to apps similar to Bark, breaking down their features and benefits so you can find the right fit for your family. Let’s start by understanding why parental control apps are essential and then explore the options.
The Importance of Parental Control Apps
Children today grow up surrounded by technology. While the internet can be an incredible tool for education and entertainment, it also comes with risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Without proper tools, parents may struggle to know what their kids are encountering online.
Parental control apps like Bark give families peace of mind. These tools monitor activities on social media, text messages, and other online platforms. They also offer features to manage screen time and block inappropriate websites. Most importantly, they offer a balance—keeping kids safe while respecting their privacy.
Now, if Bark doesn’t quite meet your needs or if you’re interested in exploring alternatives, here are several Bark similar apps worth considering.
Top Parental Control Apps Like Bark
1. Qustodio
Qustodio is a popular and powerful parental control app that offers many of the same features as Bark. It allows you to monitor your child’s online activity and set boundaries on screen time. For instance, you can review their web searches, apps they’ve been using, and even their text messages.
One of its standout features is location tracking, which helps you ensure your child’s physical safety by knowing their real-time location. Qustodio is highly customizable, allowing parents to tailor controls based on their child’s specific needs.
- Best for Comprehensive parental controls for multiple devices
- Platforms Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
- Unique Feature You can block apps individually, which is handy if there’s a specific game or social media platform you want to limit.
2. Net Nanny
If content filtering is one of your top priorities, Net Nanny is an excellent Bark alternative. This app focuses on keeping harmful or inappropriate content away from your child. It uses AI to analyze websites and block or allow them in real time.
Net Nanny also offers screen time management tools. You can set daily limits and even schedule blocking times (e.g., during homework hours or before bedtime). Like Bark, it also tracks YouTube activity and alerts parents about risky searches.
- Best for Families wanting top-notch content filtering
- Platforms Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
- Unique Feature Customizable filters adjust based on your family’s specific values and preferences.
3. OurPact
OurPact is another app similar to Bark, particularly when it comes to screen time control. This app offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces, making it ideal for parents who may not be tech-savvy.
Unique to OurPact is its scheduling feature. Parents can block or allow apps at specific times. For instance, you can block games during school hours but allow them during weekends. While it doesn’t monitor text messages as Bark does, its focus on screen time and app control makes it a solid choice.
- Best for Easy and intuitive screen time management
- Platforms Available on iOS and Android
- Unique Feature “Moment” feature lets your child request extra screen time for special occasions or study needs.
4. FamilyTime
FamilyTime is one of the most versatile apps like Bark. While it includes standard features like content filtering and screen time management, it also offers in-depth options for location tracking. Parents can create “geofences”–safe zones where the app alerts you if your child leaves or enters (e.g., school or home).
FamilyTime also has a unique feature called “PickMeUp” alerts, which allows kids to notify parents when they’re ready to be picked up from school or other locations. This app is a good match for families with older children who are more independent.
- Best for Families prioritizing real-time location tracking
- Platforms Available on iOS and Android
- Unique Feature SOS alerts for emergencies, allowing kids to contact parents instantly.
5. Boomerang
If you’re searching for Bark similar apps with a focus on Android and iOS, Boomerang is a great pick. This app helps parents monitor their child’s browsing history and also blocks specific websites. It allows you to set daily screen time limits and monitor app usage effectively.
What makes Boomerang stand out is its ability to enforce “conversation safety.” It monitors the texts on your child’s device for inappropriate words or phrases, alerting you when there’s a red flag.
- Best for Monitoring Android devices with advanced app controls
- Platforms Supported on iOS and Android
- Unique Feature Customizable text alerts for potentially harmful language.
6. Kaspersky Safe Kids
While Kaspersky is better known for its cybersecurity solutions, its parental control app, Kaspersky Safe Kids, is another reliable Bark alternative. This app offers everything from screen time controls to location tracking, but it stands out with its strong focus on cybersecurity.
Kaspersky Safe Kids includes features like tracking your child’s social media activity and setting alerts for searches involving sensitive topics, such as drugs or self-harm.
- Best for Families concerned about online threats like malware
- Platforms Compatible with iOS, Android, and PCs
- Unique Feature GPS perimeter settings with real-time alerts if your child leaves specific areas.
7. Canopy
Canopy is a little different from other Bark alternative apps on this list. It focuses on real-time content analysis and blocking. Unlike standard content filters, Canopy identifies harmful content like inappropriate images and blocks them immediately—even within apps.
Its tech-savvy approach also extends to sexting prevention, notifying parents and shielding children from risky behaviors.
- Best for Families needing refined content control for younger kids
- Platforms Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
- Unique Feature Real-time filtering stops inappropriate content before it loads.
8. Screen Time
Screen Time’s name says it all. While it doesn’t offer text or social media monitoring like Bark, its strength lies in screen time management. Whether you need to stop your kids from endless scrolling at night or control how much time they spend on gaming apps, Screen Time has you covered.
Another feature parents appreciate is the ability to pause activity on all devices instantly, often called an “off switch.” For example, if you want your kids to take a break at dinnertime, you can easily enforce it.
- Best for Parents prioritizing screen time limitations
- Platforms Available on iOS and Android
- Unique Feature Remote control to pause screen time at any moment with a single tap.
Choosing the Right Parental Control App
Now that you know some of the top apps like Bark, how do you decide which is best? It all comes down to your family’s unique needs.
- For Comprehensive Monitoring: Consider Qustodio or Bark itself.
- If Content Filtering Is Key: Try Net Nanny or Canopy.
- For Screen Time Management: Give OurPact or Screen Time a shot.
- Tech-Savvy Parents: Explore Boomerang or Kaspersky Safe Kids for more advanced features.
Every parental control app has its strengths and limitations. Some apps focus strongly on monitoring, while others specialize in managing screen time or filtering harmful content. What matters most is finding an app that aligns with your parenting style and your child’s needs.
These apps, including Bark alternative apps, are tools to assist parenting—not replace it. Open communication with your kids about why you’re using these apps is just as important as the apps themselves. By combining these tools with discussions about online safety, you can create a safer and more positive digital environment for your family.