Haley Zapal, Author at Bark

Hidden social media apps image of emoji making shhh face

**Please note: This blog post was updated on April 4, 2024.**

No matter how tech-savvy you consider yourself to be, teens and tweens will probably always stay a few steps ahead. Fortunately, the team here at Bark is in your corner, and it’s our job to keep up with all of the new and different ways kids use technology. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top online things parents need to know that your kids probably already do. This includes everything from using hidden apps and secret browsers to blocking you from seeing Instagram stories.

Things Parents Need to Learn That Kids Already Know

So many apps have hidden browsers

When it comes to checking your kid’s web browsing history, you probably go for the usual suspects like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. But did you know that many apps open up websites in their own browsers?

This means that your kid may be able to visit websites that wouldn’t leave a trail in their main browser. Apps like GroupMe, Kik, Telegram, and even Instagram all have these backdoors to the web. These browsers can be hard to manage and monitor, but it’s important to know that they exist.

There’s a Tinder for teens, and it’s called Hoop

Described as “Tinder meets Snapchat,” Hoop is a friendship and dating app for young people. The app allows kids as young as 12 to form connections with total strangers locally and all across the world.

Here’s how it works: After you download the app, you link it to your Snapchat account. Then, you begin swiping on profiles (like you would on Tinder to find a date). You’re required to use in-app “diamonds” to request chats — and you’re only allowed to send 10 requests before needing to obtain more, which you have to pay for.

Hiding apps is easier than you think

If you’re ever doing a spot check on your kid’s phone and don’t see any potentially suspicious apps, you may not be seeing the whole picture. It’s possible for apps to be downloaded and installed on your child’s phone but not be displayed on their home screen. This way, a quick scan wouldn’t reveal them.

If you’re concerned your kid may have an app that’s not allowed in your family, check out their app library. You can also go to the App or Play Store and search for a specific app. You’ll be able to tell if an app has been downloaded before if you see the option to download it instead of purchasing it. Some kids delete apps while at home, and then redownload and use them while at school or at a friend’s house.

You might not be seeing all of your child’s Instagram stories

Even if you and your child follow each other on Instagram, and even if you’re Close Friends, you still may not be seeing the whole story of what’s going online (pun intended). No matter how closely connected, Instagram users can hide their stories from anyone as long as they like. A kid may choose to hide them for just a few hours while at a party or continue to block them indefinitely.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell if your child blocked you from seeing stories short of looking at your child’s account. But if you don’t want to go that far, just keep an eye on their usual posting rhythm and notice if it changes throughout the week or during certain times or events.

Calculator apps can be for more than just math homework

If your child has more than one calculator app, there’s a good chance it could be a vault app. These are apps that look harmless but actually serve as secret folders for pictures, files, and even other apps.

Because hidden apps tend to be used to hide inappropriate content, it’s important to talk with your kid about them. Even if your child wants one just for security (like for a banking app or a journal), it still may not be a good idea.

Snapchat has long been known as the app that made disappearing messages famous, but there’s also another popular feature parents may not know about — the Snap Map. Usually, kids just use their Snap Map to share their location with their friends.

But you can also post it to a feature called “Our Story,” which enables users to contribute to a public feed that shows in near real-time events happening across the world.

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app that’s similar to texting, lets users broadcast their location. When chatting with a contact, you can send your exact whereabouts. An in-app map opens up with your precise location accurate down to a few meters. With just a few taps of a button, the other person can even get instant directions to your location.

If there’s a way to chat on an app, kids will find it

You’re probably familiar with the direct message (DM) feature on apps like Snapchat and Instagram. And even popular games like Roblox and Clash of Clans have in-app chats for players to swap messages and insults.

But even seemingly harmless platforms like Fitbit and religious apps may have message boards. Because of this, these are places where adults can target kids for grooming. This is why it’s important to evaluate the apps your child downloads, so you can know every potential danger.

Now that you know some of the tricks that young people use while online and on social media, you probably want to know what you can do to help keep them safe. Bark is here to help with content monitoring, screen time management, app and website blocking, and location sharing tools. You can even get an automatic alert whenever your child downloads a new app! Say goodbye to being in the dark about hidden social media apps.

**This post was updated on August 9, 2023.**

It is a truth universally acknowledged that today’s families will eventually be in need of safe messaging apps for kids. Whether your child is just starting out with their first phone or is already a texting pro, safety is still paramount. There are so many different apps and social media platforms to choose from, which is why we’ve got your back when it comes to choosing safe messaging apps for kids.

For teens in particular, the popular way to chat seems to change with the season. Snapchat has been the go-to app for texting and group chats for a while, and it’s certainly not very safe. So, what’s a parent to do? Here’s a breakdown of the best — and worst — messaging apps for kids. The criteria for the best apps include ease of use, cost, and the ability of Bark to monitor them for dangers.

The Best Messaging Apps for Kids

These four apps are among the best texting apps for kids that prioritize safety and parental control:

Messenger Kids

The best messaging apps for kids are the kinds where you have control, which is why we chose Messenger Kids as the best texting app for kids. The hallmark of Messenger Kids is visibility on all sides so that there are no surprises. Parents can also download their child’s conversations at any time. And because the app is tied to your personal Facebook profile, you can easily add friends and family members for your child to chat with.

Google Chat

This is one of those messaging apps that are slightly underrated. As your kid dips their toes into the internet, one of the first things they’ll usually get is an email account. Gmail tends to top the list of best free email providers, and it also comes with all of the accompanying Google Workplace features like Chat, Drive, and more. Google Chat (formerly called Hangouts) is an easy way to message back and forth, and there’s a dedicated app for it. In addition, Google can archive Chats, so you can go back at any time and read the transcript of messages. Keep in mind that this feature can be turned off, however.

GroupMe

For group chatting, GroupMe is a great option. Users can sign up with their phone numbers or email addresses, and are then able to send private or group messages to other users. This is one of many messaging apps used by kids as well as college students to coordinate a group school project. One of the cool things about GroupMe is that it’s a great equalizer. it works across platforms: All you need is a device (iPhone, Android, computer, or tablet) and Wi-Fi or cellular data to get connected. One thing to keep in mind: GroupMe does have its own internal browser that kids may be able to find.

WhatsApp is a free instant messaging service that lets people with different mobile devices text, call, and video chat with each other. The app is frequently used to keep in touch with family and friends who live abroad. Users can create groups and share pictures, audio, and video messages as long as they’re connected to the internet. There is the ability to send disappearing messages, but this feature can be turned off.

The Worst Messaging Apps for Kids

If there were a “Bark’s Most Wanted List” when it comes to dangerous messaging apps for kids, these platforms are definitely repeating offenders.

Telegram is similar in functionality to WhatsApp, but goes a step further — it adds the group chat functionality of apps like Discord. You can also use Telegram to share and store large files like TV shows or documents. Perhaps the most dangerous feature, however, is that you can find nearby users and message them. It goes without saying that this is incredibly dangerous for kids, especially considering that messages can be sent in secret mode or can be programmed to “self-destruct.” Telegram is definitely one of the dangerous messaging apps you should be keeping an eye out for.

Kik

On the surface, Kik may seem like yet another chat app similar to WhatsApp, GroupMe, or Facebook Messenger. But it relies a lot more on anonymity in its interactions. And unlike those other popular apps, Kik’s main draw is the thousands of public chat rooms filled with strangers — many of whom are adults. And when it comes to parental controls, Kik basically provides almost zero support for parents trying to protect their children. This makes it one of the least safe messaging apps for kids.

Snapchat

This world-famous disappearing-message app is likely well known to parents, but there’s more to it than just inappropriate photos. Drug dealers have begun using the app to contact kids to make sales, which is extremely dangerous. Even more troubling is Snapchat’s expansion into location sharing. The GPS-powered Snap Map enables friends (and potentially even strangers) to know your child’s exact location. Snapchat is one of the most infamous messaging apps on this danger list.

Discord

Discord is a popular gaming messaging platform that’s very similar to Slack. It features chatrooms, direct messaging, voice chat, and video calls. It’s a huge place for kids to hang out and talk about gaming. But it's also popular whether you’re playing Call of Duty or just hanging out after school. Unfortunately, there are a ton of “adult” servers on Discord that contain graphic and sexual content — and even potential predators.

How Bark Can Help

Bark can monitor many of the platforms listed above (even some of the less safe messaging apps for kids) and send you alerts if there’s something you need to know about. We also provide help with screen time. You can block websites and apps entirely to help protect your child, or set healthy boundaries around how often they can use them. Bark will even let you know if your child downloads a new app without your permission!

We’re excited to announce that families can now use Bark in Australia! The country now joins South Africa as Bark’s latest international expansion. Australians will join all of the digital parents around the globe who help keep their kids safe online and in real life with our award-winning content monitoring, screen time scheduling, website blocking, location alerts, and more.

Why Australia Is Ready for Bark

Australia is serious about creating safe digital spaces for young people, and our entry into the country comes on the heels of the 2021 Online Safety Act, which aims to make Australia’s existing laws for online safety more expansive and much stronger.

In keeping with this community goal of online safety, Bark enables parents to get alerts for serious issues like cyberbullying, sexting, and online predators. To help protect kids from inappropriate content online, parents can also prevent access to dangerous websites and apps and create custom screen time schedules.

What Bark in Australia Means for Families

In addition to giving parents greater peace of mind when it comes to their children's online safety, Bark also helps families grow closer. Growing up in the digital age isn’t easy, and our service provides unparalleled insights into a child’s online world. Having access to Bark in Australia means parents can get alerts that spark tough but important conversations about safety, technology, social media, and mental health that otherwise may not happen organically. Here’s to more families growing closer and staying better connected! Be sure to stay tuned to see where we’re going next.

Best apps for kids — illustrations of icons

Android

Flashcards have gone digital! Quizlet is a great app for kids of all ages that helps with memorization, studying, and learning. You can create your own study cards or choose from millions of existing ones! Whether your child is learning the presidents for the first time or is getting ready for the AP U.S. history exam, Quizlet can definitely help.

What is augmented reality, and how does it impact our daily lives? If you’ve ever seen a Pokémon in your living room, you don’t have to ask “what is augmented reality?” — you’ve experienced it! That’s right, Pokémon GO is probably the most popular example of augmented reality technology that blends real-world environments with computer-generated effects. Think of it as a less intense version of virtual reality, as you're not totally immersed in an artificial world. Unsurprisingly, kids absolutely go wild for augmented reality games. However, augmented reality technology isn’t without its dangers. Here’s what parents need to know about it.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR), in simple terms, is using technology (like a smartphone) to introduce digital elements like images, figures, and sound into your actual surroundings or even onto your own body. You’re probably familiar with the fun face filters and interactive games on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. But did you know those are also augmented reality?

Because of this, you can probably guess that the line between reality and augmented reality has grown a little blurry, especially when filtered photos have become the norm. This can also lead to body image issues in kids if they rely on technology to change the way they look.

Positive Benefits of AR for Kids

Augmented reality has limitless potential to bring to all kinds of fields — including medicine, communication, transportation, and more. But when it comes to kids, there are two main ways that young people reap the benefits of augmented reality.

Education

Keeping kids inspired and paying attention in the classroom has always been a struggle. With AR, teachers can use technology to bring history, science, and even math to life! Here’s an example of what this could look like.

Your child could download an app and use their phone’s camera to see what a bird would look like if it landed on their desk. This makes it easier to judge its size and shape, as they could walk around it with their phone to see it from multiple angles. They could even hear the bird’s call through the phone’s speaker. Looking closer, they could actually see its beak move and feathers ruffle as it sings.

Entertainment

Incorporating imaginative worlds into everyday real life is one of the coolest parts of AR, and for kids, it’s a great way to get lost in their favorite worlds. Unlike regular video games on Nintendo Switch or PlayStation, augmented reality games are truly interactive. These games can provide a more immersive and customizable experience for players, too.

Games like Pokémon GO helped launched the AR trend a few years back, and Wizards Unite is another popular AR game in which players become official members of the Harry Potter wizarding world. The game uses a player’s GPS to allow them to walk around streets and find magical artifacts, in addition to creating magical-inspired selfies with cool filters. It’s safe to say that we can look forward to even more AR games as technology continues to advance.

Dangers to Watch Out For

Despite being a great way to learn and blow off steam, augmented reality isn’t all fun and games. There are a few things that parents need to watch out for while their kids use it.

Excessive screen time

Managing screen time can be hard enough when kids want to watch videos on YouTube or chat with friends and family. It can be even harder when they’re playing an augmented reality game that puts them at the center of the action in their favorite world. Be sure to encourage healthy boundaries. Try setting daily time limits and requiring breaks in between longer sessions.

Distraction in the real world

Games like Pokémon GO require you to travel out into the world to find new creatures and battle spots. Make sure your kid remembers to pay attention to traffic when crossing the road. Remind them to stay aware of other people and objects near them while they’re playing. Playing with a friend who doesn’t have AR or being supervised by a parent can help with this sort of distraction, too.

Privacy concerns

Augmented reality platforms and apps have the potential to collect biometric data about a user — that’s what it’s doing when it scans your face to overlay a digital filter. But like any other piece of technology that’s connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacking. Simple kid games may not be as much of a target as something like a health app, but it’s important to keep in mind some of these new dangers that evolving tech poses.

How Bark Can Help

Hopefully, we were able to answer your question, “What is augmented reality,” but what actual dangers it poses to our kids? Honestly, it’s the potential for screen addiction as children try to spend more and more time attached to their devices playing their favorite games. Fortunately, Bark can help you manage your child’s screen time with our custom scheduling tool.

To keep them on track, you can make sure during the school day they’re only opening up educational apps. At night, you can limit access to all apps to ensurer they’re getting rest. That way, when they step foot in their favorite augmented reality world, they can focus on what’s important for that hour — having a blast.

Today, tons of platforms have built-in filters and photo editing tools, but one app helped originally launch the trend back in 2013, and it’s still going strong today: Facetune. In 2021, more than 30 million people downloaded the app on iPhone alone, a sign that people continue to be concerned with removing blemishes and whitening teeth in selfies. The unfortunate thing is that kids are, too.

One of the most chilling things about the Facetune app is that in the App Store, the company recommends it for kids “4 and above.” You don’t have to be a child psychologist to see how apps like Facetune can create unrealistic body standards and create self-image issues for children. So, is Facetune safe? In this post, we’ll discuss how Facetune works, how it can negatively affect children, and ways to talk with your child about body image.

How The Facetune App Works

Think of the Facetune app like a smaller, easier-to-use version of Photoshop, the popular photo-editing app used by professionals around the world. But instead of requiring professional cameras and a powerful computer, you simply upload a photo from your phone and can then modify it in a ton of different ways. Some of the more popular editing tools include:

Whiten: You can use this feature to whiten your eyes, teeth, or even skin.
Smooth: This lets you flatten out wrinkles (less a worry for kids, obviously) and rough spots on skin.
Details: With this, you can create a greater focus on a specific feature like eyes, nose, or lips.
Reshape: Perhaps the most problematic feature of the Facetune app, is that it lets you literally change the shape of your face or body — from sculpting a thinner jawline to digitally removing 20 pounds from your body’s frame.
Patch: This spot tool enables you to magically erase pimples, birthmarks, freckles, or even a crumb of food from your face.

In addition to changing aspects of your face and body, you can also do more artistic editing, like defocusing backgrounds, changing the size of a photo, and creating new color palettes to match clothing.

What Kids Learn From The Facetune App

The thing about using the Facetune app is that it’s such a slippery slope. You probably wouldn’t mind if your child used the Facetune app to remove a stranger from the background of the photo your family took in front of the castle at Disney World. Or if they managed to get rid of a stain on the front of their shirt in a photo with grandma.

But things get tricky when a kid starts using the app to dramatically alter the way they look — consistently. If they use the reshape tool to make themselves look thinner in an Instagram post, it can make them feel better in the short term (in the form of validating likes and comments). But in the long term, it can make them feel bad about themselves because they know their real-life self does not match what they put online.

So they post another edited photo, and it becomes a vicious cycle. Eventually, some kids will come to feel that they can’t post anything but edited photos online, and this can make them feel like they can’t present their real selves to the greater world. There are likely some kids today that have probably never not posted a Facetune selfie — ever.

Digital Filters, Real-Life Effects

Studies have long examined the direct link between social media and eating disorders (we have a whole blog post about it, too), but they often leave out the negative effects of filtering apps like the Facetune app. This is because Facetune (and similar platforms) just facilitate what happens on other apps. You don’t post on Facetune or apps like it, so they’re easy to gloss over.

Many parents can be quick to cut out or limit social media without stopping to think about all of the different apps that create these false depictions of reality and their harmful effects. And these negative effects are serious, leading to issues like poor body image, anxiety, depression, and even disordered eating. When kids only see “perfect” — and fake — photos of people, it reinforces the belief that that’s what they should strive to be, no matter how unrealistic or unobtainable it may be.

Signs Your Kid May Be Struggling With Body Image

Growing up can be a stressful time, and kids have to deal with all sorts of changes as they become young adults. Paying attention to their body is okay… to an extent. If you’re worried that your child is struggling with their body and their feelings about it, pay attention to these warning signs:

Excessively criticizing their body and appearance
Obsessing about losing or gaining weight or muscle
Being overly concerned about one aspect of their body, like their teeth or legs
Searching for imperfections or changes in photos or in the mirror
Avoiding social activities that they once enjoyed

Conversation Starters You Can Use

Whether your child uses the Facetune app or just loves the fun filters in TikTok or Snapchat, it’s important to get them to reflect and think critically about what they’re doing. Answers of course will vary depending on how old your kid is, as well as how much time they spend on social media. Here are some icebreakers to get the conversation started:

What’s your favorite photo filter you’ve ever used?
How do you feel about yourself when you use a filter?
Have you ever edited a selfie? What did you do to it?
Have you ever felt bad about posting a picture of yourself?
Tell me about how your friends use filters online.
What’s your favorite part of your body? What’s your favorite non-physical feature?

How Bark Can Help

Hopefully, we were able to answer your question “is Facetune safe”? If you find yourself concerned that your child may be struggling with body image and social media, Bark can help. Bark monitors disordered eating in texts, emails, and 30+ social media platforms and apps. You’ll get an alert if they may be struggling so you can check in and support them. You can also use Bark’s screen time and blocking tools to limit — or prohibit — access to social media or editing apps like Facetune altogether.

**Please note: This blog post was updated on April 4, 2024.**

These days, there’s an app for nearly everything, and not even kids are safe from the digitalization of what once were only in-person activities. Gone are the days of shy phone calls to your crush’s house and awkward trips to the mall. Instead, teen dating apps have popped up in their place, their popularity fueled in part by two years of social distancing and virtual learning. However, just because these teen dating apps exist doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe. In fact (spoiler alert), they’re by and large not.

Dating apps, by their very nature, aim to connect strangers in the hopes of establishing a romantic relationship. But when kids are involved, the stakes are a lot higher than with grown-ups. In this post, we’ll explain some of the common apps kids use to meet each other, that can also be known as teen dating apps, as well as the dangers parents need to know about.

Teen Dating Apps to Know

A quick search in the App Store for “teen dating apps” reveals a ton of results — some reputable, some not. New apps pop up seemingly overnight, so it’s important to remember that what's popular can change pretty quickly. These two apps, however, have been around for a bit — but they’re far from safe.

Hoop

Essentially “Tinder meets Snapchat,” Hoop is a teenager dating app where children as young as 12 can form connections with total strangers. While adults can also use the app, Hoop claims that users over 18 won’t be shown kids’ profiles (and vice versa). Users swipe through profiles — which include a person’s age, gender, and photos — to pick who they want to begin a conversation with. They can then request that person’s Snapchat handle with the tap of a button to continue the conversation there.

Even though the app claims to keep adult and child profiles separate, there’s no age verification required when joining the platform. Kids could just input an older birthday when signing up, and adults could just say they’re younger.

Yubo

Yubo is a live-streaming video app that connects young people with chatting, games, and can be considered a teenager dating app. Users can add friends and then join live video chat rooms with others from around the world (Yubo is based in France). Real-time video chatting can expose kids to dangers like sexual content and discussion of inappropriate topics. Like Hoop, it claims to be a platform for kids only, but there’s nothing stopping adults from signing up as someone younger.

Because social media is such an important part of a teen’s social life, apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok can become de facto dating apps for kids. An Instagram profile, for instance, will have a person’s name, a brief bio, and photos of them and things they enjoy doing. Instead of “swiping,” the way you show interest is to be bold and “slide into their DMs.” To translate, that just means to make the first move and send a private message.

From there, if two teens like each other, they’ll continue chatting, eventually moving on to text messages. On Snapchat, they’ll send selfies back and forth or try to keep their Snap Streak going, which is an unbroken chain of messages sent every day.

When Teens Use Adult Dating Apps

Technically, it’s against the terms of service of popular online dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble for users to be under 18 years old. Despite this, kids may still sign up for them and fudge their birthday so they appear to be of legal age. Adults could then see an "18-year-old" and think they're messaging a fellow adult.

As you can probably guess, this can be very dangerous because many users are there only to meet other people and have sex. There’s also a wide range of ages of people who use these platforms. Kids may want to look around and end up matching with someone twice their age, which is an opportunity ripe for exploitation.

The Dangers of Online Dating Apps for Kids

Inappropriate content

Dating in the digital age can present dangers our generation didn’t have to face when we started going out. It’s often said that “sexting is the new first base” and that’s definitely true. The pressure to send nudes and sext can be intense — regardless of whether a teen chooses to do it or not.

On top of the emotional effects sexting may have on a kid, there’s another danger of sharing nude pictures of minors. It can be against the law in your state, even if both parties are the same age and consent.

Catfishing

Online dating means that relationships may start online, which opens the door to catfishing. Catfishing is when someone creates a fake identity and then interacts with someone to “lure” them into a relationship. People may do this for a variety of reasons, but common reasons kids may catfish peers include making a mean joke, getting revenge, and cyberbullying someone. Kids tend to be trusting when it comes to people they meet online, which is why they can be especially vulnerable.

Predators

Predators may want to initiate the grooming process online because they can target kids and ease them into an abusive relationship. Adults may pretend to be another child and then reveal their real age, or they may be upfront about their age from the beginning. Even on specifically teen dating apps, there’s always the chance that someone is pretending to be someone they’re not.

How Bark Can Help

If you’re worried about your child, Bark can help you keep them safe online and in real life. First, we can monitor their texts, emails, and social media platforms for sexual content. Things like explicit messages and nude photos may end up on their phone after spending time on teen dating apps.

Next, you have the ability to block any potentially dangerous teen dating apps your child downloads so they can’t access them. You can also see at a glance what apps your child has downloaded.

Finally, Bark can alert you if your child signs up for a new account with their personal email address. We recommend googling any new apps your child asks to download so you can figure out if they’re safe or not. If you need help, Bark has a handy app review page with some of the most popular — and potentially dangerous! — apps out there.

Body image and social media illustration of girl looking in mirror

Remember yearbook day in middle school? It was the best day of the entire school year, when you could actually hold pictures of your friends (and crush!) in your hands. It was a rush to see candid photos of classmates at lunch, scoring points in basketball games, and lined up for club photos. That’s right — yearbooks were the O.G. social media.

In contrast, kids today can access photos and images of classmates online every single day, almost in real time. Because of this, body image and social media are closely intertwined. Growing up can sometimes feel like there’s always a spotlight on you, but for today’s generation, there essentially is — and it’s having serious effects on kids.

Filters Have Transformed How Kids Can Present Themselves

If you type “photo editor” into the App Store, you’ll get tons of results. There are so many apps that promise to provide filters and enhancements for amazing selfies. Some promise flawless skin, a reshaped face, and even the ability to open your eyes if they’re accidentally closed in a photo. Many of these apps are free, which means they’re easy for kids to download.

Of course, kids aren’t born wanting filtered faces. They’re eased into it, often through kid-focused, “fun” filters that add puppy ears or angel haloes. As they get older, kids will encounter filter options that include more adult-appropriate adjustments. These include prominent cheekbones, larger eyes, and plumper lips.

But these types of filters aren’t just in fun apps… they’re everywhere. There’s even an option on Zoom, which many kids relied on during distance learning, called “Touch up my appearance.” It’s possible that many kids may never post a photo of themselves without having altered it in some way. It’s no wonder that body image issues are growing more and more common — even in kids as young as four.

The Negative Feedback Loop of Unrealistic Expectations

Kim Kardashian has 283 million followers on Instagram, and the photos she posts are sleek, stylized, and absolutely, 100% put together by a team of media and PR experts. Curated feeds dominate the social media landscape, even for non-celebrities, especially when it comes to body image. And if everyone you see is altering their appearance in some way, it can entice you to do the same thing. Eventually, nobody’s image is reflecting real life anymore. The standard for perfection simply becomes higher and higher.

How Does Media Negatively Affect Body Image?

When kids are constantly bombarded with so-called “ideal” beauty standards, the desire to fit in and match them can be intense. This can lead to anxiety and depression as a child struggles to deal with how they present themselves to the outside world.

Constant worrying about whether they’re pretty enough, thin enough, tall enough, or muscular enough can be taxing, especially during puberty, when bodies are in flux. In some cases, the desire to look perfect can even lead to disordered eating, which can greatly impact a child’s health and well-being. And it’s worth mentioning (as there are often misconceptions about this) that not just girls experience these pressures.

There Is Hope — Body Positivity Is Becoming Mainstream

The body positivity movement is grounded in the belief that all bodies are worth celebrating. As such, they’re also deserving of being seen in ads, movies, TV, and more. Visibility is important for making people (and especially kids) aware of and more accepting of different body types, sizes, and definitions. The body neutrality movement takes this one step further. It suggests that you don’t need to focus as much on your body’s aesthetics (even to say you are beautiful). Instead, you can pay attention to how your body feels.

Companies are beginning to realize this, and many have incorporated different-sized models in advertising campaigns. Dove is a good example of this movement. The company even launched the Dove Self-Esteem Project with resources for promoting body positivity among young people. Popular younger artists like Lizzo and Billie Eilish are also known for bucking traditional beauty standards, and have enjoyed incredible success being exactly who they are.

The Top Platforms Where Body Image Issues Are Happening

According to Bark’s 2021 annual report on children and technology, 7.66% of teens engaged with or encountered content about disordered eating last year. Alerts for disordered eating range from mentions of dieting practices all the way to discussions of anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia. The top platforms for body image alerts were:

Discord
Instagram
Snapchat
WhatsApp
TikTok

What can we learn from this ranking? First, that Discord leads the pack, with dedicated servers for discussing everything from #thinspo (“inspiration” to help someone get dangerously thin) to actual ways to practice disordered eating. Next, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are all visually focused apps where image is very important. It’s no surprise that body image issues are discussed frequently on them. Finally, WhatsApp is a messaging app similar to iMessage or GroupMe, and it’s where kids can message privately or in groups.

Starting a conversation about body image can be a little scary, but it’s important to talk with your kid about how they feel and the things they see online. We’ve got some ideas to help you break the ice. Keep in mind these may work best with older kids. They have more experience with social media so they have some context.

Why do you think so many people use filters when they post selfies?
Does body size have anything to do with a person’s personality?
Has another person’s post on Instagram/Snapchat/TikTok ever made you feel bad about your body?
Do you ever feel pressured to post certain types of photos on social media?

It can also help to make sure you’re not using body shaming (or food shaming) language at home. An offhand comment may seem harmless to you. But saying something like “I can’t believe you ate that many chips” — can contribute to your child having an unhealthy relationship with their body. You can learn more about identifying and preventing disordered eating in this blog post.

If you’re worried that your child may be struggling with body image and social media, Bark can help. Bark monitors disordered eating in texts, emails, and 30+ social media platforms and apps. You’ll get an alert if they may be struggling so you can check in and support them.

**Update: As of November 2023, Omegle has shut down over claims of abuse.**
*This blog post was reviewed again for accuracy March 29, 2024**

For even the most tech-savvy of parents, keeping up with all of the latest apps your kid wants to download can be a real struggle. Trends change, social media platforms evolve, and new viral apps can explode onto the scene in a matter of days. Making things even harder, it can be difficult to tell which apps are really a threat to your child’s well-being. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the twelve most dangerous apps for kids today. Some you’ll probably recognize, but a few may surprise you!

Bark’s Top 12 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids

The roster of apps popular with kids is always changing, but these are currently the most widely used and most dangerous apps for young people to have on their phones. Keep in mind that these aren’t arranged in order of most dangerous to least dangerous. They all have different features with varying levels of inappropriateness.

1. Snapchat

Kicking off our dangerous apps for kids list is one that most parents are probably familiar with. Snapchat has been around since 2011 and popularized the trend of “disappearing messages.” However, kids may not always fully understand that nothing really disappears on the internet — especially when a screenshot is just a quick button tap away.

In addition to providing a space to send nudes, Snapchat also presents other dangers for teens. The GPS-powered Snap Map enables friends (and potentially even strangers) to know your child’s exact whereabouts. There’s also been a recent uptick in drug dealers using Snapchat to connect with young people, as they think it’s “safer” than texting or emailing. Spoiler alert: it’s not, and the app is expanding efforts to root out the sale of illegal substances.

2. Instagram

Close on the heels of Snapchat is Instagram, the popular photo and video-sharing platform owned by Facebook. Like Snapchat, Instagram has also added disappearing messages and photos. It’s even developed its own version of TikTok called Reels — short videos set to music or viral audio clips.

One of Instagram’s primary dangers is the sheer amount of inappropriate content kids can access in just a matter of seconds, especially porn. Parents may overlook this, but remember that a private account does nothing to prevent explicit searches — it just prevents certain users from viewing your kid’s posts.

The app has recently taken steps to create a safer environment for its younger users, but many of these changes (like defaulting to private profiles for those under 16) are either ineffective or can quickly and easily be turned off by a child in their settings.

3. Discord

Discord is a huge place for teens to hang out and talk about gaming, whether they’re actively holding a controller during a game of Call of Duty or just shooting the breeze after school. It’s a messaging platform that’s very similar to Slack, and features chatrooms, direct messaging, voice chat, and video calls. Users can join different “servers” and within each server are different “channels.” Think of these like chat rooms. They can be for anything, from huge public video game servers to small, private groups of friends.

So, why is Discord considered one of many dangerous apps? Because it can expose kids to all sorts of inappropriate content, from hate speech and porn to bullying and online predators. Bark’s 2022 annual report found Discord consistently in the top five platforms for bullying, suicidal ideation, body image, and more. And even though it’s popular among teens, Discord is used by more than just kids, which means that adult content on the app is rampant. It can be easy for kids to get involved in a Discord server and make “friends” and then be influenced by sketchy adults.

4. Yik Yak

One of the most dangerous messaging apps for kids of the past decade has recently made a resurgence. Yik Yak is an anonymous chatting app that lets users within a five-mile radius read publicly posted messages. When we say anonymous, we really mean it: Yik Yak has no user names, no handles, no real names, and no photos.

Kids can struggle with online etiquette when they’re using their real names, so imagine how wild things can get in an environment with no accountability. Yik Yak is also a breeding ground for bullying, especially when it becomes popular on school campuses. Rumors can be posted and spread like wildfire. Another threat to watch out for is content that promotes sexual assault and violence, an issue the app had back in 2017.

5. TikTok

TikTok is the most popular app in the world, and it's the go-to cultural touchstone for teens and tweens. But like many other apps, it presents a whole host of dangers.

TikTok is more than just silly dances and lip-syncing — it can also present tons of inappropriate content like sexual discussion, profanity, violence, and viral trends that could put kids in physical danger. There's also the potential for strangers to interact with children via comments and DMs, which is never a good thing. Be sure to keep up to date with TikTok slang and the latest news about their parental controls.

6. Twitter/X

If you’re surprised by this one, you’re definitely not alone! Twitter/X is usually considered an app for breaking news, celebrities, and stand-up comedians. But it’s also a go-to source for porn. Twitter is so expansive and has so many users that the app’s search bar is basically like a Google search.

Kids know this and use Twitter/X to find porn because the platform won’t look suspicious if a parent does a quick browser history check. Similarly, because Twitter/X isn’t exactly all the rage with Gen Z, it’s also not usually an app parents tend to worry too much about when setting screen time rules or creating web filters. Finally, kids don’t even have to sign up for a Twitter account or use the app to access its content — they can check it out anonymously through any web browser.

7. Omegle (defunct)

Omegle is an anonymous video chatting platform that pairs you with a complete stranger somewhere in the world. Sensing a theme? That’s right — anonymous apps are usually some of the most dangerous apps for kids out there.

Children have been known to go on Omegle in groups, looking for excitement during a sleepover much like our generation did with prank calls or AOL chat rooms. But what they find on Omegle can be extremely dangerous. Kids can be exposed to nudity and even real-life sex acts on screen. Predators can lurk on the site, grooming children and saving photos and videos from their encounters.

8. Hoop

What is Hoop? Think of it like Tinder meets Snapchat — almost literally. The app allows kids as young as 12 to form connections with total strangers. By swiping through profiles — which include the person’s age, gender, and photos — users can pick who they’d like to start a conversation with. They can then request that person’s Snapchat username with the tap of a button to continue the conversation there. While adults are also able to use the app, Hoop claims that users over 18 won’t be shown kids’ profiles (and vice versa). Still, this seems a little too close for comfort.

9. Kik

Kik is a free instant messaging/chat app that has almost no redeeming value. The company states that it’s for kids 13 and older, but the App Store rates it as inappropriate for anyone younger than 17. This is because of the vast amount of sexual content the app can expose kids to. If you don’t use Kik to chat with friends you already know (and why would you, if you have texting capability, Facebook Messenger, or other more reputable apps), you’re left with nothing but strangers in chat rooms. Because of this, the potential for predation is enormous with Kik. As such, it’s definitely not a messaging app for kids.

10. Vault apps

Vault apps hide content on phones and tablets, from photos and files to other apps that kids don’t want their parents to know about. They often look like harmless apps — a popular one is a fake calculator, which grown-ups wouldn’t usually think twice about. Sometimes, these apps require a passcode to gain entry. Some even take a photo if someone is trying to figure out the combination to it! Whether they’re hiding off-limits apps like Snapchat or even inappropriate photos, nudes, or racy memes, vault apps can spell trouble.

11. Roblox

Similar to Minecraft, Roblox is an open-world video game that’s wildly popular with kids 5–12. You can often find games with characters and settings from pop culture — worlds that kids like to spend time in. Roblox isn’t just one game, it’s actually a platform hosting millions of games that users have created and published.

Like with any other app that has user-generated content and an in-game chat feature, there’s always the chance that kids can run into inappropriate content while playing. This can include profanity, sexual content, drugs/alcohol, and more. The games themselves are similar to mainstream video games, with simulated violence (players can kill and be killed). There’s also the chance of children messaging with potentially predatory adults. Keep up to date with Roblox slang with our helpful guide!

12. Yarn

Many of the apps we’ve discussed so far are social media platforms or games. Yarn, on the other hand, is something you wouldn’t expect. It’s a reading app, but definitely not one you want your kids downloading. Yarn tells stories via fake text messages (it looks like you’re in iMessage reading a friend’s thread) that are either scary or sexual. Some of the titles you can access include “Send Nudes?,” “He’s Watching Me,” “Serial Slasher,” and “Sexting 101.”

In addition to text messages, you can also watch short videos on a variety of topics. Sometimes, they’re even in the form of TikToks. You can also listen to audio clips kind of like an audiobook or podcast.

How to Talk With Your Kid About Apps

Oftentimes, children just want to keep up with the apps that their peers are using. They may not even realize just how dangerous apps for kids can be. We recommend sitting down with your child and talking through any new apps they’d like to download. Discuss the pros and cons of each, keeping in mind that “because everyone else has it” isn’t the best of arguments. But be sure to listen to what they have to say. Their research and passion may surprise you!

Sometimes, talking about a simple app can turn into a very important conversation about safety, sex, or even mental health. No matter what you decide when it comes to allowing your kid to use an app, consider making a tech contract. This document, which is created collaboratively, can help set expectations around and guidance for your child’s online activity.

Racism on social media image — child on phone with emojis

As a parent, you probably want to shield your child from the worst of the world — at least as long as you possibly can. The internet, as you can imagine, complicates things. No matter how hard you filter, block, and monitor, things may still slip through. Friends have phones. Schoolmates have tablets. And, eventually, kids grow up. Striking the right balance between protection and education when it comes to racism on social media is the best way to prepare your child for dealing with this issue for the rest of their life.

Whether your family hasn't had to think seriously about this yet or had to start conversations about race very early, it’s important to stress to children the benefits of fairness, understanding, and kindness. Here at Bark, we believe in the golden rule, and that every family — and every child — deserves a happy, healthy life. In this blog post, we’ll dig into why there’s so much racism on social media, how it affects kids, and how you can talk to your child about this important topic.

Anyone who’s spent time on Facebook and checked out the comments section on a political post is probably familiar with how quickly things can devolve. Even subjects that have nothing to do with race can end up with comments that attack someone’s ethnicity or skin color. But why does this happen so much? There are often a number of factors at work.

People post without thinking

Social media — when combined with the fact that we have little computers that connect us to everyone in the entire world — gives people the chance to post their thoughts as soon as they have them. In situations where emotions run high, it can be easy to immediately dash off an angry response that includes slurs or hateful language. Many times, the response is something that the person would never say in real life to an actual person.

In this way, social media is intensely personal — in that a person’s sense of self can be impacted by a simple comment from a stranger — and also at the same very impersonal, in that it’s easy to forget you’re talking to another living, breathing human being with feelings much like yours.

People can be trolls

In the film The Dark Knight, Alfred responds to Batman’s questioning of the Joker’s insidious motives with the statement, “Some men just want to watch the world burn.” So it can be with internet trolls that exist to rile up others online, and there’s no quicker way to do that than to start attacking physical characteristics and using racist language. They may not even believe what they’re saying — they just know that it can ruin someone’s day in just a few hastily typed-out characters.

People can find community in anger

Racism finds a home online in places where like-minded folks gather to share their hateful thoughts. Reddit, for example, is notorious for allowing hate speech to flourish in its many communities. Members of these communities may join for any number of reasons, including ignorance, powerlessness, prejudice, or a combination of all three.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ position on racism is that it has “significant adverse effects on the individual who receives, commits, and observes racism.” Anger, shame, hate, aggression, and other negative emotions can greatly impact a child's development. Here are a few reasons why kids are especially vulnerable to racism in social media:

They may not understand exactly what they’re doing

Using profanity is often one of the first ways kids try to rebel — and several forms of profanity come from racist slurs or expressions. When a child calls someone a racist bad word, they may not understand the complex history and impact that such a loaded term has.

They might not immediately realize when it’s happening to them

Younger kids especially may find themselves in positions where other children are harassing, ignoring, or shaming them about their background. Some many chalk it up to just being teased or regular schoolyard bullying, but there’s often so much more to it. Cyberbullying can take it to another level when racist memes are created and shared.

What Hate Speech Looks Like

Bark’s 2021 annual report analyzed more than 3.4 billion messages across texts, email, and 30+ apps and social media platforms. When it comes to hate speech, these were the top five platforms with the most instances:

Kik
Discord
Tumblr
Spotify
Snapchat

What can we learn from this list? We can see that hate speech occurs online in a wide variety of apps. Kik, Discord, and Snapchat are messaging apps, which means that kids are sharing images and sending text chats that contain inappropriate content. Spotify is a music streaming service, so alerts triggered here indicate that kids are listening to music with potentially racist content. Tumblr is a microblogging platform where images and posts can go viral and be shared by thousands in a matter of hours. Regardless of whether children are actively sharing hate speech, they’re often exposed to it, and the cumulative effect can be damaging.

Social media platforms recognize the impact of racism in social media and are aware of the potential harm it can cause. Community guidelines from Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and countless others all contain sections that explicitly ban hate speech. The reason why so many companies strive to keep it off their platforms is because it can lead to real-life violence.

According to Stomp Out Bullying, “Words, name-calling, hateful phrases, casual racist comments — they all have an impact, especially if those words become convincing to a large number of people.” Many times after mass shootings, the perpetrator’s online activities or manifestos point to explicit hate speech.

How to Talk to Your Child About Racism: Conversation Starters

Having a conversation about racism is serious and important, and like all hard talks, can be challenging. It’s so, so important though — try not to shy away from it. Here are some ways to start a conversation with your child in a safe, supportive manner.

Ask for their opinion on a news story concerning racism

Civil rights have been in the news nearly constantly over the past few years. As America reckons with its history, find out what your child has learned and absorbed. If they bring up something you're not familiar with, research it together.

Find out what racism is like at their school

Schools are like microcosms of society, for better or for worse. Ask your child if they’ve ever seen a racist incident in class, witnessed someone use a slur in their presence or online, or even experienced it themselves.

Discuss what it means to be an “upstander”

Upstanding is the opposite of bystanding — or sitting back while something unfair happens. Here are a few ways to get your child involved in upstanding. Make sure they know they can always:

Tell the person to stop
Get others to join them by standing up to the person bullying
Shift focus away from the person bullying
Find an adult who can help

How to talk to your child if they experience racism

Not all children will experience racism on social media. But for families who do, Dr. Sadiqa Cash wrote an article for Texas Children’s Hospital on how to develop resilience in children in the face of racism:

Affirm their identity. Teach your child to take pride in their background and culture. It’s worth celebrating!
Surround them with representation. Every kid deserves to see themselves as doctors, baseball players, superheroes, attorneys, and more. Find books, TV shows, movies, etc. featuring people who look like your child.
Validate their feelings. Speak openly and honestly with your kid about the reality of racism in our society. Let them know that whatever they’re feeling is okay, and support them as much as you can.
Find community. It takes a village to raise a child. Find community organizations that help your child feel at home and thrive.

Fighting Prejudice with Purposeful Inclusion

Most of the values children learn come from their families, from table manners to thoughts on TV shows. Even if your family never discusses race, a stance is being taken — silence on important matters can speak volumes. It can also create a vacuum that outside influences may fill, often to a child’s detriment. Need some ways to help raise an anti-racist kid? Try these:

Expose your child to other cultures and praise different perspectives. This can be as easy as watching a movie set in a different country, like Coco.
Set a real-life example by having friends from different backgrounds.
Denounce racist behavior shown on the news to help communicate to your child that racist actions are not to be emulated.
Avoid race-based cliches and stereotypes whenever talking about people, music, movies, and more.

Why It’s Important to Protect Your Child Online

Bark can help you protect your kid from racism on social media. Our award-winning service gives parents peace of mind by monitoring texts and 30+ apps for signs of bullying, hate speech, suicidal ideation, and more.

These alerts not only help keep your child safe, they also spur important discussions about the topic — even if your child is just a witness to something inappropriate in a group chat or on YouTube. The internet can be a scary place. Let Bark help support your family as you navigate it.

Ready for a throwback? Remember when the only headphones you could buy were the super thin wire-and-plastic ones that came with your Sony Walkman? They came in one color (black) and had one feature: tiny foam pads on each ear. Fast-forward to today and there are now hundreds of options — wireless, corded, in-ear, over-the-ear, and all available in a ton of different colors. Because of this, when it comes to finding the perfect headphones for kids, the process can be a little overwhelming.

Balancing the right functionality with the right price point — especially for younger kids who may drop or lose them — is key. But fret not! We’ve scoured the internet and talked to real-life parents about the absolute best options out there. Here are our picks!

Headphones for Kids: Priced from Low to High

Affordable ($19 and under)

Sony ZX On-Ear Headphones

$9.99

If you’re looking for a good-quality, basic pair of over-the-ear headphones, Sony’s ZX has you covered. This no-frills option provides clear sound, comfortable ear pads, and wires that *somehow* magically stay untangled. And, because it’s Sony, it’s a reliable brand.

iJoy BlueTooth Over Ear Headphones

$18.99

These comfortable over-the-ear bluetooth headphones are a workhorse! They also come with exterior button controls so you can skip songs, answer calls, and more. But maybe the greatest feature is the 6-month warranty — perfect for kids who may get a little too into dancing to “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo.

A Little Pricey ($20 – $50)

JLAB Go Airpop True Wireless Earbuds

$20

Bark’s Director of Community Jodie Sherrill raves about her JLAB Go Airpops! For just $20, these Bluetooth earbuds provide 32+ hours of listening with a charged case, have stellar voice and sound connections, and come in a sleek case that resembles Airpods. But the best part? “If your kid loses these, you’re only out $20 and not the full $129 that Airpods cost,” Jodie says.

TOZO T6 Wireless Earbuds

$26.99

These bluetooth earbuds come in six cool colors and feature super-sensitive touch controls. Compatible with both Android and Apple phones, perhaps the coolest thing about these headphones is that they’re waterproof up to a meter deep!

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Bluetooth Earbuds

$49.99

If your kid is all about the best possible sound, Anker Soundcores allow them to nerd out with an customizable app. They can choose from 22 equilibrium settings to get great tone tailored to their ears — perfect for creating that ideal sound for background study music.

Splurges ($51 – $100)

Skullcandy Indy Evo Wireless Earbud

$68.99

Another set of decent Bluetooth earbuds, Skullcandy Indy Evos have one really cool feature that may be a selling point for your family: They have Tile technology. This means you can download the Tile app and locate your kid’s earbuds no matter where they are. Say goodbye to lost headphones!

Raycon Gaming Earbuds

$99.99

If your child is a gamer, you’ve probably heard of this brand. These earbuds are specially designed with in-game communication in mind. This means a loud and clear microphone, lag-free sound, and quick and easy touch controls.

Most Expensive ($100+)

Apple Airpods (2nd generation)

$129

We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Apple Airpods are the gold standard for wireless earbuds, and not just because they popularized modern Bluetooth headphones. For many kids, iOS products are also status symbols, making them highly sought-after. But Airpods are also very reliable, have great sound, and seamlessly connect to iPhones with a flip of their case.

Galaxy Buds2

$129.99

Think of these as the Android equivalent to Airpods. The two are very similar, and at the end day, each performs the best with their phone counterparts. Galaxy Buds2 have great sound and microphone quality, ergonomic fit, and remarkable battery life.

How to Choose the Right Pair for Your Child

It may not seem like it off the bat, but headphones can be a necessity these days! Whether you’re travelling together and don’t want to listen to BTS for the millionth time or your kid needs to tune into a Zoom lecture, headphones for kids are important.

We recommend starting younger kids with the less expensive options. For older kids who may want fancier headphones like Airpods, consider a trial run of a slightly cheaper Bluetooth set. If they can keep up with and take care of them, they’ll be able to demonstrate responsibility and convince you they're ready for the big (audio) leagues.

We don’t know about you, but this year felt like it was both a million years long and *also* shorter than the time it takes your kids to brush their teeth. While the world can be an uncertain and scary place, there’s still lots of good in it. Here at Bark, we had some great wins. Every year is a good year, though, when it’s spent working together as a team to help protect kids and keep parents up to date with online safety tips. Here are just a few of our Bark 2021 highlights from another unprecedented twelve months in the digital age. Honorable mention not included: the new Adele album.

1: Number of new countries Bark expanded to — South Africa!

Bark’s officially international! We were excited to announce that Bark’s award-winning service is now available to families in South Africa. With a population of nearly 60 million, this expansion will help bring online safety to a whole new level for families in another part of the world! Pssst — we’re just getting started, too.

100: Employees at Bark

The Bark team experienced another incredible year of growth as we crossed a super cool milestone — hitting triple digits with team members! We’re so proud that we keep adding skilled, passionate folks who are drawn to our mission of helping to keep kids safe online and in real life.

212,642: Emails to support our customers

If there’s one thing every parent shares, it’s 100% being busy. The Bark team is full of parents, so we definitely understand the struggle. That’s why our customer support team is available 7 days a week to answer any questions families may have about setting up Bark, connecting accounts, and more. They’re reachable at help@bark.us any time!

15+: Fun quizzes made for parents

From trying your hand at vintage video game history to deciphering the latest TikTok slang and trends, our fun quizzes were a hit with Bark users. They also definitely prompted a little intra-family competition on Saturday morning. Looking at you, spooky slang quiz.

12: Number of app reviews on our brand-new app review page

To help parents figure out what’s helpful and what’s not-so-helpful when it comes to advice on all the latest apps, we launched our new app review site. We’ll be continually updating it with the popular apps that kids are into so parents can stay one step ahead.

365: Number of days of remote work

Like much of the world, the Bark team entered into year two of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have adjusted — and continue to adjust — to all of the different challenges it's thrown our way. No matter what, we try to stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the little things where we can. Matches of Skriblio at lunch over Zoom? Yes, please.

11: Rounds played of the movie game

The marketing team’s favorite fun Zoom activity is a made-up game we call What Year Is It Anyway? One person quizzes the group on a very small part of movie trivia: the exact year a film was released. Wrong answers are way more fun and always have the whole team laughing. Case in point: Casablanca didn’t come out in 1996.

2: Appearances on The Drew Barrymore Show

Bark’s CMO Titania Jordan had the opportunity to talk about parenting in a tech world not once but twice with mom, movie star, former Josie Grossie, Charlie’s Angel, and now talk show host Drew Barrymore. Also racking up 2? The number of younger Bark team members who didn’t know who Josie Grossie is.

3,000+: Schools and districts using Bark for Schools

Bark for Schools, our free community giveback program, continues to help schools protect students from online threats. The growth of this program has been wildly successful in just the three short years since its launch. We’re humbled to be able to assist schools with online safety in uncertain times.

12: Tech Bytes videos released on regional news shows

Our 12-part video series aimed at helping parents understand technology aired in 3 huge markets -Charlotte, Dallas, and Atlanta! These byte-sized videos (see what we did there?) explain common dangers, new trends, and tech hacks to parents in a fun, engaging way.

1: Collaboration with the CDC

Bark collaborated with the CDC on the first-ever study study linking past online behavior to future events of suicide and self-harm. Using anonymous Bark data, the CDC examined how prior online behaviors like bullying, violence, drug-related content, hate speech, profanity, sexual content, depression, and low-severity self-harm among youth can be used to predict the risk of a future suicide or self-harm event. The results were published in JAMA Network Open.

160,000+: Users in Parenting in a Tech World, our Facebook group.

Just a few years ago, our Facebook group was a place where a few thousand parents gathered to talk shop about raising kids in the digital age. Fast forward to today and we have 160,000+ users! We’re so proud to have created such a positive community — something rare in this day and age — where families can ask questions, support one another, and even share the latest and greatest memes.

Bark 2021… and beyond

That’s it for the Bark 2021 recap! We hope you have a great start to the new year. We can’t wait to keep working on new updates, releases, and research to help you keep your kids safe online and in real life.

Keep an eye out for some really, really exciting things to come in 2022!

Illustrated watches for healthy screen time limits

Before we get started, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. No matter what you’re going through right now, raising kids in the digital age is hard. There’s definitely no guidebook, and we’re the first generation of parents to juggle cell phones, Fortnite, and social media with our kids. If you’re like most parents, figuring out how to set healthy screen time limits can seem harder than trying to understand Common Core math!

No worries though — we’re here to help with pointers, conversation starters, and even just a little perspective get you on track. Let’s do this!

Think of Time Limits as an Extension of Structure and Routine

While they can be hard to implement sometimes, structure and routine are crucial to a child’s well-being. Screen time limits are no different than other rules like having a homework hour or feeding the dog. Consider sitting down and drafting a tech contract with your kid. By making the process collaborative, you can talk it out and give your child a say in some of the rules. When you make your expectations clear, your child will have a better understanding of what they can do and when.

Encourage Extracurricular Activities

Screen time is just one facet of your child’s world. Try encouraging their hobbies and activities so tech is not the number one thing in their life. A great way to do this is to require them to try outside-the-home activities. This can be playing a sport, learning a musical instrument, or joining a club at school.

The busier they are and the more time they spend being social with friends and teammates, the less time they’ll have to spend on their phone. This solution is a win-win: not only will screen time go down, but your kid will also grow as a human and learn new skills.

Talk About the Pros and Cons

When talking about setting limits or changing rules, kids may get defensive. This is natural, because often when kids are online, they’re really just connecting with friends, blowing off steam, or playing games. It’s an important part of their world — especially after all the time spent isolated in lockdown throughout the pandemic, when contact with other people was limited. But make sure your kid also understands some of the downsides of lots of tech use, like fear of missing out (FOMO), getting stressed or lonely, or even something as simple as headaches or dry eyes.

Here are some conversation starters to try:

How do you feel at the end of the day when you’ve been online for a long time?
What are the best things about being online for you?
Can you tell me about a time when you felt overwhelmed by being online?
How do you think your screen time compares to mine?

Boredom Isn’t a Problem to Be Solved

Sometimes, screen time is just a default go-to when kids are bored. But did you know that boredom is an important part of being a kid? This is super important to remember in today’s era of instant gratification. It’s when kids are bored that they can find truly creative ways to entertain themselves — and even have fun!

Also, screen time distraction can often prevent kids from recognizing their emotions. And while these feelings may not be fun, they’re still real. By not instantly opening up Instagram or YouTube when they’re upset, lonely, or sad, they can learn to recognize and experience their emotions in healthier ways.

Ease Into Less Screen Time With Different Screens

When you think of screen time, odds are you’re probably thinking of the hours your kid spends on their phone or tablet. But sometimes, even a switch to a different screen can be beneficial. We know, this doesn’t sound like an ideal situation, but hear us out.

It can look like watching a movie together as a family or having a Mario Kart tournament in the living room. These are both great options for families that aren’t quite ready for a rapid removal of all screen time in the evening or who want to ease into analog alternatives.

Healthy Screen Time Alternatives to Try

When you’re ready to stash all the screens in the kitchen and turn to some good old-fashioned family bonding, we’ve got some great ideas in this family activities blog post. Fun alternatives include real-life interactions and things like:

Game night at the kitchen table (dibs on Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza)
A walk together around the block (see if you can spot the neighborhood golden retriever)
A picnic in a nearby park (everyone loves a sandwich)
Evening free reading time (either out loud or individually)
A favorite dip dinner party (this one’s our favorite)

(Try) and Lead By Example

This one is definitely easier said than done. Screen time for parents just isn’t the same as it is for kids. For one, things like jobs, family, and other adulting activities sometimes mean responding as soon as possible. Second, kids’ brains are still developing, and we’re still not sure how excessive screen time could affect them years down the line.

But all that being said, there are definitely ways to demonstrate the importance of being present. Institute a no-phones-at-the-dinner-table policy — even if only for half an hour. When you’re watching a movie together, try to limit Instagram scrolling so you don’t get lost (kids can always tell when you’re not paying attention).

Manage Screen Time the Easy Way With Bark

There are some free screen time solutions out there, but only Bark gives you the ability to set healthy screen time limits with schedules as dynamic as your family. Here at Bark, we don’t believe screen time is all or nothing, which is why we offer completely customizable schedules for each child.

Our approach to screen time centers on the idea that different times of day call for different screen time rules. For example, when your kids are in school, you can block access to everything but educational sites. And at bedtime, you can allow apps to help them wind down for the evening. And because all kids deserve to blow off a little steam, you can designate free time hours just for play.

**This blog post was updated on December 20, 2023.**

If you’re looking for some new family activities that go beyond trips to the usual store, the same old dinnertime conversations, or yet another regular movie night, we’ve got some ideas to bust you out of your rut.

These fun ideas will help you view family time with a new lens while allowing every member of your family — from the oldest to the youngest! — to join in and participate. And if you need help keeping screen time managed, Bark Home can definitely help you keep your kids present for all these activities.

Food-Themed Family Activities

Have a Grocery Store Surprise Potluck Night

If you’re willing to get a little creative and loosey-goosey with dinner, consider a grocery store potluck night. Divide up your family and send them off to get one part of the meal. For example, kids can get sides, parents can get main courses, etc. Don’t discuss plans beforehand to ensure that it's definitely potluck. Macaroni and cheese with a side of instant mashed potatoes? There are no rules when it comes to surprise potluck night!

Throw a Costume Dinner

Need a quick way to spice up a Tuesday night dinner? Come up with a theme (like Frozen, famous Joes, or family member switcharoo) and let everyone see what they can put together with items from their closet. No formal costumes required — the fun is seeing how creative your family can get on short notice. Bonus points for staying in character during the meal!

Hold a Favorite Dip Party

From a buffalo chicken dip to a tasty homemade hummus, dips are easy to make and can provide a lot of different flavors and textures. Have your family members pick their favorites, have everyone assemble the ingredients, and get to dipping! Even younger kids can help with simple dips like three-ingredient nacho cheese. Don’t forget the chips, bread, and fruit to sample all of the delicious spreads.

Do a Movie Night Culinary Extravaganza

This spin on a traditional movie night is sure to get your family excited about your next double feature. Pick a movie where food is featured — or a country or region your family has always wanted to visit – and make or order something inspired by it! This could look like homemade ratatouille when watching everyone’s favorite rat chef (Ratatouille) or trying your hand at agua frescas and molé from Mexico (Coco). The only limits are your imagination — and taste buds! You could even keep it simple and have tea time with Mary Poppins.

Outside Family Activities

Find a New Park to Picnic In

Whether you’re looking for a new jungle gym in a neighborhood playground or ready for a trip to a nearby national park, getting out and exploring can be tons of fun. Depending on the park, there could be sports fields, waterfalls, historic houses, or even just a beautiful meadow. Pack up some tasty sandwiches, fresh fruit, and ice-cold drinks and head off to play in the great outdoors!

Pretend to Be Tourists in a Nearby Town

Ever wonder how the ice cream shops in the next town over are? How about their main street? Even nearby neighborhoods can feel completely different from the part of town you live in, and can sometimes hide hidden gems you wouldn’t discover otherwise. Head on over to a place you’ve only ever heard of — or driven by — and see what it’s like.

Go on a Seek App Adventure

The Seek app by iNaturalist is truly a game-changer when it comes to helping your family learn about the plants in your neighborhood. Say goodbye to wondering the name of flowers that bloom so beautifully in your neighbor’s yard or trying to figure out what species of tree is in your school playground. To kickstart your kids’ interest in nature, see who can identify the most plants in five minutes — they’ll use critical thinking skills and creativity as they rack up rhododendrons and collect calla lilies.

Visit the Nearest Body of Water

No matter where you live, there’s bound to be a water feature somewhere nearby. Whether it’s the beach (if you’re lucky!) or a river, pond, or lake, consider making a family jaunt to enjoy it. Go swimming, practice skipping stones, try your hand at fishing, or just bask in the beauty of moving water — it can be surprisingly refreshing.

Indoor Family Activities

Give an Old-School Card Game Lesson

Dust off the old pack of playing cards from the shelf and give your kids a lesson on how we used to kill time before cell phones and AirPods. Whether it’s a classic game of War or Go Fish with younger kids or the fast-paced thrill of Speed or Egyptian Rat’s Crew with tweens and teens, these standards are sure to get your family invested in cards.

Have a Paint-Off

Gather some painting supplies (or crayons, or colored pencils) and pick something to draw. It can be flowers, the family pet, even something silly like Superman. Then, have everyone try to capture the same scene artistically. Half the fun is seeing how wildly different everyone’s masterpiece will turn out. The other half? Discovering who the family artist is!

Build an Epic Fort and Camp Out in the Living Room

You’ve probably built a quick fort before by throwing a blanket over a couple of chairs — it's one of the most popular family activities! We challenge you, though, to go all in. Collect some big boxes. Make tunnels. Bring in every pillow in the house. This activity may not be for the faint of heart, and it may make a bit of a mess, but we guarantee your kids will definitely remember a fort palace on this huge scale.

Gather Round and Head Out on the Oregon Trail

An entire generation of kids was raised on this vintage video game — we used to even play it in school! While it may not be on the curriculum anymore (and gaming has definitely gotten more advanced in the past 30 years), it’s still one of the best family activities you can have gathered around a computer. You can also play it online! Be careful though — fording rivers is still as dangerous as you remember.

Bark in South Africa? It’s no longer just a rumor! Families in South Africa have something to celebrate when it comes to online safety. Bark is now officially available to the more than 59 million people who live in the country.

We’re thrilled to be able to offer our comprehensive safety solution to a different part of the world and provide many more families with helpful digital parenting resources.

What Bark in South Africa Means for Families

Kids in the U.S. aren’t the only ones who struggle with digital dangers. A recent study analyzed the online behaviors of more than 2,600 children ages 9 to 17 in South Africa. Here are just a few of the eye-opening stats from that study:

70% of children surveyed use the internet without parental consent.
25% confirmed that they have added people whom they have never met face-to-face to their friends or contacts list.
18% have sent a photo or video of themselves to a person they have never met face-to-face.
67% of child participants who have seen sexual images were exposed to them on an online device.

The Importance of Monitoring and Parental Controls

There’s no handbook for raising kids in the digital age, and today’s children have access to technology and devices we never could have dreamed of. Bark enables parents to get alerts if there’s something going on in their child’s world that they need to know about. This includes issues like bullying, suicidal ideation, depression, predators, and many more. Our service allows you to block websites and apps and create custom screen time schedules to provide your kid with healthy boundaries.

Looking to the Future

Bark plans to build on its presence in South Africa and beyond by building partnerships with ISPs. In addition to offering Bark in South Africa, we also offer content monitoring in Spanish in the United States. It’s our hope that one day every family that needs Bark’s help will be able to use our service.

Each year for our holiday gift guide, the Bark team scours the internet and queries friends and families for the absolute coolest presents and hottest gifts for kids. Think of it like Oprah’s annual favorite things, except only for the ever-changing tastes of tweens and teens.

It’s our hope that many of these picks will inspire your kids to put down their phones or video game controllers for a bit and engage in some good old-fashioned family bonding — during the holiday season and beyond!

Presenting Bark’s Class of 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

$9.99 at Target

If your family is into fast-paced card games like UNO or even an old classic like War, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza will definitely be a hit. You take turns dealing out random cards (with cute illustrations of a taco, a cat, a goat, cheese, and pizza) while saying the list of names in order. When a card matches the word, the last one to slap their hand down has to take the whole pile! Kids and adults will have a blast with this one. It gets pretty competitive!

10-Pack of Tech Decks

$24.25 on Amazon

Remember the fidget spinner craze from a few years back? Tech decks are kind of like the latest version. They’re miniature skateboards that you “ride” with your fingers, and you can even pull real tricks like ollies, kickflips, and more. Tech decks are sure to keep your kids busy on long car rides and even lazy Saturday afternoons.

Escape the Room: Secret of Dr. Gravely’s Retreat

$23.99 on Amazon

Whether your family already loves escape rooms or there’s not one in your hometown, we’ve got the solution! Now, you can have a similar experience right from the comfort of your living room. Work together as a team and solve puzzles, look for clues, and more. Plus, if you get hungry, you can take a quick break because your kitchen is just in the other room!

Spikeball

$69.96 at Walmart

What do you get when you combine the handwork of volleyball with the rules of the old-school game four square? Spikeball!! Teams of four take turns bouncing and spiking a cantaloupe-sized ball off a small net a few inches off the ground. It’s super easy to set up and transport, so your kids will be playing Spikeball in the backyard, the local park, after soccer games, or even at the beach!

Photo Clip String Lights

$17.99 on Amazon

Give your kid a fun and festive way to display their favorite photos, cards, and drawings with these photo clip string lights. It comes with 50 clips and remote-controlled LED bulbs so your child can really customize their setup to fit their personality and make their room super cozy.

Bluetooth Beanie

$21.91 on Amazon

This thoughtful gift solves an age-old problem: How do you keep your ears warm while also listening to music on earbuds? Enter the Bluetooth beanie! (After all, no holiday gift guide would be complete without headphones.) Tiny speakers are knit into the fabric of the hat near the ears, eliminating the need for external buds! Great for walks to school, but may result in a lot of “what!?!?!?” if your kid wears their Bluetooth beanie around the house.

ZIPIT “Talking Monstar” Pencil Case

$7.99 on Amazon

Say goodbye to boring pencil boxes and cases! The ZIPIT pencil case is made up entirely of one long zipper, which sounds wild, but it’s true! Kids will have fun showing off this zany feature to friends and classmates. You can also download a free mobile app that uses augmented reality to make the pencil case come to life with jokes and games.

Jackbox

$29.99 on many platforms

Jackbox has completely revolutionized party games — and it even helped bring many folks closer together during the pandemic. It’s a pack of video games you play together with a group, either all in the same room or via Zoom or FaceTime. Each player uses their phone to participate in zany games like trivia, hilarious drawing challenges, and more. Kids especially love Jackbox because so many of the activities leave you laughing out loud — literally.

Croc Charms

$10.99 on Amazon

Crocs may have only been popular with nurses and waiters back in the early 2000s, but they’ve made a resurgence this year thanks to celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber sporting colorful pairs. Today, Crocs are super popular with middle and high schoolers — especially sports teams! So, if your kid loves Crocs, this 50-pack of random charms will help them express their personality as they clasp them to the 13 ventilation holes on their shoes.

Wireless Karaoke Microphone

$32.99 on Amazon

Gone are the days of refrigerator-sized home karaoke machines! These surprisingly powerful microphones light up in cool colors and also connect via BlueTooth to your phone or your TV so you can sing along to your favorite songs! Plus, there are tons of free karaoke songs with scrolling lyrics on YouTube, so your family will be able to belt out their favorite hits right from your living room. This may be the most fun and interactive pick on this holiday gift guide!

Gifts for teens header image with books, a tablet, and video game controllers

This holiday season, we know you’re itching to find the absolute most perfect present for the kids in your life. Here at Bark, we’re a team composed of families, so we understand just how confusing it can be to compare all of the tech specs for the latest gadgets, know which consoles support which video games, and find out which books are kid-friendly bestsellers.

To help you out on your search for the perfect gifts for teens and tweens, we’ve created this ultimate holiday buyer’s guide. Because the less time you spend scouring the internet and shopping from store to store, the more time you’ll have for mugs of piping hot cocoa, cozy movie marathons, and some quality holiday bonding time.

Gifts for Teens and Tweens

The Best Tablets for Kids

Whether your kids are just learning to read or already taking algebra, tablets provide countless learning opportunities. They’re also just plain fun, allowing kids to chat with friends or watch their favorite YouTube videos. We ranked our top five in terms of durability, price, and functionality.

See our picks

Books Teens and Tweens Will Love

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned book, whether it’s a dog-eared paperback or an e-book instantly downloaded to a Kindle. This list has something that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest readers, from immersive graphic novels to the latest in adventure fantasy.

Check out some page turners

Starter Phones for Families

Think of these starter phones kind of like bikes with training wheels. They give your child a way to talk and text to you while apart, while also limiting their exposure to the internet, strangers, and other digital dangers. We’ve rounded up the best options that provide everything you’ll need to help give your kid the safest start to their phone journey.

Get the low-down

2021’s Best Laptops

Laptops are important for school, gaming, communication, creative activities, and so much more. Because of this, they make great gifts for teens. From MacBooks to Chromebooks, we picked five choices ranging in size, style, and price to help you find the perfect laptop for your kid.

Compare computers

3 Smartwatches for Younger Kids

If you’re thinking about giving your child a little more independence — but aren’t quite ready for a phone — a smartwatch is a great option. We found the best devices that have no internet access, limited texting/calling ability, and GPS tracking.

See our top 3

Video games for kids illustration of controllers

Video Games Kids Love

Some of the best gifts for teens are video games — they provide countless hours of entertainment, exploration, and even a little friendly competition. We’ve researched the most fun and most kid-friendly titles that are sure to make a splash in your household.

Dive into new worlds

Nintendo Switch

Looking for one of the less violent first-person shooter video games for kids? Splatoon 2 is a great option that provides the fun of action games with a kid-friendly twist: it’s all about ink instead of bullets! You run around trying to cover your enemies — and the environment — with brightly colored paint while avoiding being splattered yourself.

10. Kena: Bridge of Spirits

PS4 / PS5 / PC

A breathtaking adventure game with mind-blowing graphics, this game follows Kena, a young spirit guide who’s responsible for helping recently passed-away people cross the bridge to the afterlife. While that sounds pretty heavy, the game is actually pretty fun and exciting, and it consists of a lot of monster-fighting and exploring beautiful environments.

If a friend has ever handed you their phone so you could read a dramatic text thread, you probably know how interesting it can be — and how someone can tell an engaging story through just speech bubbles. This concept is at the heart of the Yarn app. It’s storytelling through fictional text messages (along with some other multimedia content like videos and audio clips) that usually veers towards really inappropriate. It’s similar to fan fiction, which is incredibly popular among kids today. If the idea of reading made-up text conversations confuses you, not to worry! We’ll explain everything you need to know about this definitely-not-for-kids app.

What Is the Yarn App?

The Yarn app is available for iOS and Android devices with a subscription-based model. After a free 7-day trial, there are many different pricing options, ranging from $2.99/week up to $99/year. When you first open the app, it asks you a pointed question: Do you want to see steamy stories or scary stories? These two types of content are the bread-and-butter of the platform, but it spans quite a lot across several different formats, including:

Text messages
Videos
Choose your own adventure text threads
Audio stories
Fake social media accounts like TikTok and Instagram

How Does it Work?

From the main page of the app you can sort content by subject, including popular featured stories, shorts, Riverdale-inspired content (a popular TV show) as well as categories like “love,” “steamy,” and more.

Some of the titles of specific content include “Send Nudes?,” “He’s Watching Me,” “Serial Slasher,” and “Sexting 101.” For the text message stories — which make up the bulk of the app — you simply click on a title and are taken to a fake texting screen. A message will appear, and then to see the next one, you tap the screen. As you keep tapping, the messages keep coming in a quick flow, enabling you to “read” an entire story.

For the other types of content, they’re pretty much what they sound like. You can watch short videos on a variety of topics. Sometimes, they’re even in the form of TikToks. You can listen to audio clips kind of like an audiobook or podcast.

The Appeal of Stories Told in Text Message

When you think about how much of our digital lives is spent chatting with others online, it makes a little more sense that a text message story would appeal to young people. A common trope in literature is the epistolary novel, which just means a book told in the form of letters sent and received between characters. For our day and age, a story told in text messages is the same idea.

Another appeal of the Yarn app lies in curiosity. The app markets itself with the tagline “Ever wanted to snoop through people’s conversations and not feel guilty for it?” With Yarn, you can pretend you’re reading someone else’s messages. And not just boring location updates — they’re super scary or full of sexual language.

Dangers to Watch Out For

The makers of the app have rated Yarn 17+, which means that it’s chock-full of all kinds of inappropriate content. The two primary forms of content are explicit sexuality and scary violence. The sexual content includes very graphic descriptions of sexting and nudity as well as racy photos and videos — it’s kind of like romance novels for the digital age. It’s normal for kids to have an interest in sexuality as they age, but the Yarn app may not be the best idea for them to explore. We recommend talking to your kid about what they’ve heard about this platform, along with how it’s made for adults because of all the explicit content on it.

If you’d like to block the app altogether, you can do so using Bark’s blocking tools.

**Please note: This blog post was updated on April. 4 2024.**

Want to help protect your child from inappropriate or distracting content while they’re online? Whether you’re worried about porn, gaming sites, or streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, we’ve got you covered. We’ve researched the best and easiest ways to show you how to block a website on iPhone devices with three different apps: Apple Screen Time, Bark, and BlockSite.

How to Block a Website on iPhone using Apple Screen Time

On your kid’s iOS device, open up Settings.
Scroll down until you find Screen Time and tap it.
Then, tap Content and Privacy Restrictions.
After that, tap Content Restrictions.
Next, tap Web Content. On this screen, you can choose to limit adult websites or you can lock everything down, and allow only a few websites you manually enter in.

At the bottom, there’s another option. Here, you can block individual websites by tapping “Add website” under “NEVER ALLOW.” This is where you type in the specific sites you want to block, like Fortnite.com, for example. If you don’t necessarily know every name of every potentially harmful site, check the next section! We recommend doing these steps from your own phone with Family Sharing enabled so your child can’t change the settings once you’re done.

How to Block Websites Using Bark

Bark is your best option if you’d like to be able to block any website and tons of different categories of content — like adult websites, gaming, social media, and much more. That means you don’t have to know all of the potentially worrisome sites by name!

If you’re a Bark user, head to your dashboard and find your child’s profile. If you aren’t yet, no worries! Head to bark.us and sign up for a free, one-week trial.
From your dashboard, select Settings and then Parental Controls.
Here, you can review the rule sets you’ve scheduled.
Scroll down until you see Screen time rule sets and select the rule set currently applied.
Toggle the app or site to Blocked. You can block entire categories of sites or individual URLs.
Repeat these steps for any other screen time rule sets you’ve scheduled.

How to Block Websites Using BlockSite

BlockSite is a free app available for download in the App Sto re that lets you filter websites on your kid’s device. Here’s how you block a website on iPhone devices with it:

Start by heading to the App Store.
Download BlockSite and open it when it’s installed.
When it asks you to enable the VPN, do so. (A VPN is the technical part of what will let you block sites with the app.)
Next, tap the + in the lower right corner. Type in the website address you’d like to block. A list will appear in the search results below.
Find what you’re looking for and tap the +. It will change into a checkmark. Repeat with any other websites you’d like to block, then click “Done” when you’re finished.

iOS / Android

Cost: Free

Does your kid have an epic science vocab list or tons of historical figures to memorize? Then you probably know that keeping track of dozens of flashcards can be a hassle (not to mention all of the space they take up!). Quizlet is an online version of flashcards that kids can make and access anywhere at any time. There are also banks of pre-made study sets to choose from, so your child doesn’t always have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to making new cards. As organizational apps go, Quizlet is one that can not only save time and paper but can also help your kid become a better student.

Mental health quotes header image of plants

What do Instagram influencers, world-famous celebrities, politicians of all stripes, stay-at-home-parents, successful business people, and professional athletes all have in common? They’re all humans who — at one point or another in life — will probably deal with a mental health issue. It could affect them personally or happen to a friend, a parent, or a child. It could last a few days or weeks or turn into a daily part of their lives forever. No matter what happens though, remember that hope is important. Perspective is also something that can make you feel better and inspire you, which is why we’ve gathered our favorite mental health quotes. You’ll find celebrities opening up about their experiences, writers describing how they push forward, and more. The common theme? No matter how hard life seems, it’s okay to not be okay.

Mental Health Quotes to Inspire and Support

1. "In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers." —Mr. Rogers

This mental health quote tell us that whether your best friend needs help with a work problem or your middle schooler is struggling with panic attacks, one of the most important things you can do is listen — really listen. Instead of trying to “fix” the situation as quickly as possible (something that’s usually not even possible), instead, try asking them how they feel.

Then, ask follow-up questions. This not only helps the other person feel understood, it gives you so much more insight into their experience. Want more help talking to your kid? We have some great conversation starters to help keep the dialogue going.

2. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” —Thich Nhat Hanh

When you feel overwhelmed and caught in a negative thought spiral, it can be easy to get carried away in a wave of anxiety. To help keep yourself grounded, remember to always return to your breath. There’s a reason why it’s such a big part of yoga!

The body and the mind are very much connected (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Just a few deep breaths can help you feel a little bit better in times of chaos. Breathwork is just one example of a self-care activity — check out our list to see a ton of other ideas.

3. “Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it’s hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she’s not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn’t add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it’s so hard means she IS doing it right, in her own way, and she happens to be honest.” ―Glennon Doyle

Every parent feels overwhelmed occasionally — raising kids isn’t (and never has been!) simple. Doing it in the digital age is even more of a challenge! People like to talk about all of the positive parts of being a parent, but the struggles and rough patches are often overlooked.

It’s 100% normal to admit that the job is hard and isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it’s probably much healthier for your mental health if you understand it from the get-go.

4. "I found that, with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. You're not the first to go through it; you're not going to be the last to go through it. And oftentimes — it happens — you just feel like you're alone. You feel like it's only you. You're in your bubble. And I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's gonna be OK. It'll be OK.’” —The Rock

Like several other mental health quotes, this one expresses that finding the words to ask for help when struggling with depression can be hard for kids and adults alike. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and fear can make you afraid that no one else has ever felt the way you do. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention to your kid’s moods and behaviors.

If you’re concerned that what they’re feeling is more than just the holiday blues, for example, talk with them and see if they’d be interested in speaking with a therapist or counselor.

5. “A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.” —Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Sometimes, there can still be a stigma surrounding mental health issues and treatment — and there definitely shouldn’t be. These kids of mental health quotes are a good reminder that the two are equally important.

Just like regular yearly checkups and trips to the emergency room for accidents, mental health treatment (and preventive care) care are crucial parts of your child’s overall health and well-being.

6. “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” —Brené Brown

There are going to be days you just don’t feel like getting out of bed. Days the kids will make it to school (barely) in questionable outfits and lunch money in hand instead of perfectly curated bento boxes. And that’s okay — because you put one foot in front of the other and made it happen.

Try not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Do your best, whatever your best looks like that day. Sometimes it looks like frozen pizza and a feel-good movie on the couch with your kids.

7. "Now that I was famous, I was afraid I would never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends. Then one day my mom said: 'Why do you think a person wouldn't love you? Don't you know how smart and sweet and beautiful you are?' That's when I decided I only have two choices: I can give up, or I can go on." —Beyoncé

If you ever find yourself struggling, remember that Beyoncé herself has had moments of depression and self-doubt with one of the most mind-blowing mental health quotes on this list.

Thanks to the love and support of her family, Beyoncé persevered in the face of depression, which underscores just how important the people in our lives are to our growth.

**Please note: This post was updated on September 14, 2023.**

If you’re thinking about giving your child a little more independence and responsibility — but aren’t quite ready for a starter smartphone — a smartwatch is the perfect solution. In the past, the closest thing parents could get was a fitness tracker with limited communication ability. But now, we’ve seen a boom in the market for kid-focused watches — but what is the best smartwatch for kids?

From listening to our parents, there are a few essential features they want their kids to have with a smartwatch: the ability for it to be stand-alone (in other words, doesn’t need to be paired with a phone), calling/texting abilities, and location tracking. We did a little research and found the top six options for families!

Our Top Six Smartwatches for Kids

TickTalk4

$189.99

The TickTalk4 is the quintessential kid’s watch, complete with preset texts, location tracking, and zero internet, games, or apps. Parents can download a free app where they can communicate directly with their kids. Along with preset text messages, kids can also respond with voice-to-text messages and video calling. It’s worth noting that since this app is required, it may be hard for some friends or family — such as grandparents — to communicate with your child. Watches like this (and others that we’ll look at) are best for kids who don’t expect to communicate with lots of people.

Verizon GizmoWatch 2

$99.99

When it comes to smartwatches for kids, the GizmoWatch 2 prides itself on being designed “with kids in mind,” and it’s great for younger children. You can set up to 10 contacts who your children can call, leave voice messages for, and text pre-set messages. With this watch, the required app is GizmoHub, which lets you communicate with your child, as well as set up real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts. This way, you can know where they are when they’re out and about.

Garmin Bounce

$139.99

Garmin is a fitness-focused brand, and the Garmin Bounce is designed specifically for the most active kids. Kids can send pre-set texts to up to 20 contacts, including the family group chat. And when your kid is out and about, the watch can track their location and record their sport activities. Using the parent app, Garmin Jr., parents can respond to messages, monitor activity, and even push a chores list and rewards straight to the watch! The only downside is that the Garmin Bounce doesn’t have the ability to make calls. However, it does have voice messages, which may be enough of a replacement for some families.

T-Mobile SyncUP

$174.99

This one’s for all T-Mobile customers! The T-mobile SyncUP watch comes with the staples of a good kid’s smartwatch: talk and text, location tracking, contact approval, and a parental control app to customize settings. The watch also comes with fun features such as a camera and games. But these things can be limited with the use of School Mode if you want to keep your kid on task.

Samsung Galaxy Watch5

$159.99

While Samsung doesn’t technically make kid-designed smartwatches, we still have a few reasons to add it to this list. Samsung offers the option to make some of their watches standalone, so your kid still doesn’t need a smartphone to use it. Simply contact your carrier about setting up a mobile data plan for the watch and follow the steps listed here to complete the process. Then, your kids will have their own phone number that you can text or call straight from your number (no third-party app required here!). They can also stream music, track their activity, and access various apps.

As mentioned, this isn’t necessarily intended for kids, so the parental control options are limited. This is definitely for parents who are okay with giving their older kids more tech and internet responsibility.

Apple Watch SE LTE

Starts at $249

Just like the Samsung watch, Apple also offers the ability to make select models standalone by adding a data plan with your carrier. Then, parents can add the watch to the Family Sharing feature, and use the same parental controls that are available on other iOS devices (Note: this means an iPhone or iPad will be needed by someone else in the family to set up Family Sharing). With this, parents can track location, add Screentime rules, manage contacts, and create a Schooltime schedule. For dedicated iOS families with slightly older kids, this is a great option. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting everything up.

Kids Smartwatch Screen Time and Etiquette Considerations

Overall, a smartwatch for kids is the perfect set of training wheels for their eventual full-fledged smartphone. But even though it’s not technically a phone, it can still be a pretty big distraction for a kid. It’s easy to get lost in a text conversation when you’re supposed to be eating dinner with family, paying attention in class, or at soccer practice. Take some time to have a conversation with your kid about when and where it’s appropriate for them to be checking notifications, as well as when some downtime is a great idea.

Gaming slang shown by a controller with word bubbles popping out

**Note: This blog post was updated on January 4, 2024.**

Gaming has come a long way since we were kids! Playing Super Mario Bros on the family TV in the living room was pretty simple, and the only gaming term you had to know was that “1-Up” meant you scored a sweet extra life. Today, many kids — and adults — play video games that connect to the internet so you can join up with other players from around the world. Throw in voice chat, and you’re completely immersed in the game, complete with its own acronyms, slang, and more.

If your kid is super into gaming, it can probably feel like they’re speaking a different language if you walk by! (And yes, it’s definitely different from plain old teen slang). To help you understand the gaming language, we’ve researched the most popular gaming terms and gaming slang being used today.

Popular Gaming Terms and Acronyms

AFK — Stands for “away from keyboard” and is used when a player steps away, like “BRB.”

Avatar — What a player’s character looks like in the game. You can customize them with features, props, and clothes, and more. This is kind of like a Bitmoji — which you're probably familiar with!

Boss — The final bad guy a player has to beat in every level. They’re usually bigger, stronger, and harder to beat than the others.

Camping — When a character stays in one spot — “camps out” — to gain an unfair advantage and attack other characters without being seen.

COD — Short for "Call of Duty, " one of the most popular first-person shooter video games in history.

Crafting — The act of building virtual items in a game. For example, collecting rubbing alcohol and cloth to make a first-aid kit.

DLC — Stands for “downloadable content” that gamers can buy for a video game. It ranges from cosmetic upgrades all the way to new levels and game expansions.

DPS — Stands for “damage per second” and refers to the amount of destruction a player can exert in a single second. The higher the DPS, the more deadly the player.

Easter egg — A hard-to-find image, message, feature, or location hidden in a video game. An example would be a poster on a character’s bedroom wall that depicts the video game developer’s favorite movie.

Esports — The catch-all term for competitive, professional gaming where players (often on leagues or teams) go head-to-head for lots of money.

FPS — Stands for “first-person shooter”; a type of weapons-based game where the player sees through a character’s eyes and interacts with the world head-on.

GG — Stands for “good game”; usually said in the text chat after a game ends.

GG EZ — Stands for "good game, easy," and snarkily implies that a player had no challenge in beating their opponent.

Glitching — When a player exploits a bug (or glitch) in a video game to get an unfair advantage, like running through walls.

Griefing — Intentionally annoying, harassing, or trolling other players in a video game, usually through voice or text chat.

Killstreak — The total number of consecutive kills a player can rack up before dying themselves.

Lag — When there’s a delay between a player’s action and on-screen activity, similar to when Zoom freezes up during a call.

Lobby — A lobby is a menu screen where players wait before a game officially begins. They can learn about the next game session, look at results from the last, change settings, and talk to each other. In many games, players return to the lobby after each session. Think of it like a waiting room.

Loot — The beneficial items a player can pick up while playing, usually after killing an enemy. Ammo and health are common examples of loot that players can scavenge.

Loot boxes — An example of “pay to win” gaming, where players use real money to get randomized “loot boxes” that may contain skins, weapons, and in-game advantages. This system has come under criticism for being a little too much like gambling.

Matchmaking — The process by which a game assigns players against each other, usually taking into account skill level and ranking.

MMORPG — Stands for “massively multiplayer online role-playing game”; these are usually sci-fi or fantasy games (World of Warcraft is a good example) that allow players to interact with large numbers of other players.

Mod — Short for “modification”; refers to when a player changes an aspect of the game to create a new feature.

Noob — Refers to an inexperienced gamer; derived from “newbie.”

NPC — Stands for “non-player character”; that is, characters controlled by the computer.

OP —Stands for "overpowered," typically in reference to a gun or ammo type in the game.

PvP — Stands for “player vs. player.”

PvE — Stands for "player vs. environment." This could be a monster that players have to beat, for example.

Pwned — Pronounced “poned” (like moaned), this term is a variation of “owned” — originally from a typo because the letters P and O are next to each other on a computer keyboard. To pwn someone means to have mastery over them. Ex: “I beat you three times in a row in Fortnite! You totally got pwned!”

Rage Quit — To angrily leave a game in frustration.

Respawn — Refers to when a player comes back to life after being killed in-game.

Scrub —An insult used to demoralize another player, implying that they're bad.

Skins — Term used to describe new avatar customizations that players can buy or collect.

Squeaker — Insult typically used to describe younger gamers (because their voices aren’t deep. Note: This is generally used to make fun of male players, but there are — of course — plenty of other types of players with a range of different voices.

Sweat — Term that describes a try-hard gamer, i.e., someone who goes out of their way to win in an over-the-top, unnecessary way.

Twitch — A popular video-game streaming platform. On it, popular gamers play video games live while providing commentary and chatting with fans.

Wrekd/Wrecked — Defeated. This is often used in the expressed "get wrekd."

XP — This gaming term stands for “experience points”; they’re used to measure your progress through a game. The higher your XP, the more experience you have and the more powers you’ll unlock.

You a bot — A gaming phrase used when someone is acting dumb or playing poorly in a game. Refers to AI bots being easy or bad in games, making it obvious it's not actually a human playing.

Gaming language is trendy and ever-changing, and we understand that for you as a parent, it can be difficult to learn. We hope this blog has helped bring you closer to understanding some of the most popular gaming slang phrases.

Things Parents Need to Learn That Kids Already Know

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Hiding apps is easier than you think

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Calculator apps can be for more than just math homework

Location sharing may be an option in your kid’s favorite apps

If there’s a way to chat on an app, kids will find it

Need Help Finding Hidden Social Media Apps?

The Best Messaging Apps for Kids

Messenger Kids

Google Chat

GroupMe

WhatsApp

The Worst Messaging Apps for Kids

Telegram

Kik

Snapchat

Discord

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Bark’s 10 Best Apps for Kids

Seek

Toca Life World

Spotify

Duolingo

Calm

YouTube Kids

Heads Up!

Messenger Kids

PBS KIDS Games

Quizlet

What Is Augmented Reality?

Positive Benefits of AR for Kids

Education

Entertainment

Dangers to Watch Out For

Excessive screen time

Distraction in the real world

Privacy concerns

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How The Facetune App Works

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Digital Filters, Real-Life Effects

Signs Your Kid May Be Struggling With Body Image

Conversation Starters You Can Use

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Teen Dating Apps to Know

Hoop

Yubo

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When Teens Use Adult Dating Apps

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Inappropriate content

Catfishing

Predators

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The Negative Feedback Loop of Unrealistic Expectations

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How to Talk With Your Kid About Body Image and Social Media

Bark’s Top 12 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids

1. Snapchat

2. Instagram

3. Discord

4. Yik Yak

5. TikTok

6. Twitter/X

7. Omegle (defunct)

8. Hoop

9. Kik

10. Vault apps

11. Roblox

12. Yarn

How to Talk With Your Kid About Apps

Why Is There So Much Racism on Social Media?

People post without thinking