BARK COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Resources for schools,
organizations, and communities
Podcast
No One Judges You Harder Than You Judge Yourself Online
Every month, 430 students at one Texas high school watched two of their own classmates lead an assembly on cyberbullying, online predators, and the gap between who teens are online and who they really are.
McKenzey Roach and Malayna Mitchell are graduating seniors who built and ran their school's monthly digital citizenship program, called CHAT, reaching every student at Lubbock-Cooper High School as part of a DECA project.
In this conversation, they walk through how a mandatory video segment nobody wanted to watch became something students actually engaged with, why they sent an anonymous survey to the entire school before choosing a single topic, and what it felt like to have their opinions on cyberbullying and online safety broadcast to freshmen and seniors alike. You'll hear their honest take on why the same post feels safe on Instagram but terrifying to say out loud, and what they'd tell an incoming freshman about building a social media presence without losing themselves in it.
K-12
Podcast
Neuroscience of Screen Use: Hear from Stillwater Academy
Scott Jones, Executive Director at Stillwater Academy, dives into why the teenage brain is vulnerable to social media, the behavior to look for, and research-backed strategies to help navigate said behavior on The Attuned Parent Podcast.
Behavioral health
Podcast
Your Kid’s Not the Only One Struggling With Screens
The teachers walking into classrooms right now grew up glued to screens too, and that's reshaping how teacher prep programs handle screen addiction, shortened attention spans, and phone distraction in the classroom. Melanie Lay and Amy Hickman train future educators at Texas Tech University, and both also evaluate teacher preparation programs nationwide, Melanie through US PREP and Amy as a TPI-US inspector. In this conversation, they break down what's actually being taught to future teachers about managing devices, social media, and mental health in the classroom, and what's still a gap.
K-12
Blog
New in North Carolina: Bark now approved for purchase under the NC Innovations Waiver
Developmental disabilities
Blog
Big News for Wisconsin: Bark is now approved through IRIS (and CLTS)
Developmental disabilities
Blog
When “No Phones” Stops Working: A New Playbook for Treatment Programs
Explore a practical framework for introducing phones in behavioral health settings through phased access, clinical milestones, and monitoring that supports treatment goals.
Behavioral health
Podcast
What Young Adults with Disabilities Wish Parents Knew About Technology
Hear firsthand from two young adults who grew up using assistive technology and being monitored online. Audra and Savanna share what helped them build confidence and independence, what felt limiting, and what they wish parents and caregivers understood about using technology to support, not control, them.
Developmental disabilities
Podcast
Real-World Lessons on Choosing Technology for Children with Disabilities
Finding the right technology can be overwhelming for families of children with disabilities. Nicole Guysi shares what she's learned as both a Family Transition Navigator and parent, offering practical guidance on evaluating tools, overcoming challenges, and accessing meaningful support.
Developmental disabilities
Podcast
A Family Advocate’s Perspective on Technology and IDD
Drawing on his experience as both a parent and Executive Director of Encircle Families, Christopher Tiffany shares what he's hearing from families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where they're struggling to find support, and what resources can make the biggest difference.
Developmental disabilities
Webinars
From Policy to Practice: Phone Reintroduction Framework for Residential Programs
Learn best practices from leaders in the field for phased device access, balancing client independence with safety, engaging families, and preparing clients for sustainable success after discharge. Featuring: Gage Olsen from Engage Youth Adult Transitions, Michelle Gourley from Gateway Academy and Scott Jones from Stillwater Academy.
Behavioral health
Product and technology
Customer spotlight: Bay District Schools
A conversation with Bay District Schools’ Safety Director on how Bark helps reduce alert fatigue, improve response times, and add a proactive layer to student safety.
K-12
Product and technology
How the Bark Phone and Bark Watch stand out
An overview of the Bark Phone and Bark Watch, designed to help families stay connected while giving parents tools to help protect their kid’s online and in real life.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities
Product and technology
What parents are saying about Connected Communities
A parent’s perspective on how Connected Communities helped Hillsborough County families build confidence, start meaningful conversations, and guide kids toward safer, more responsible tech use.
K-12
Product and technology
Learnings from Littleton Public Schools
Learn how Littleton Public Schools partnered with Bark to surface early warning signs and support safer, more timely interventions.
K-12
Product and technology
Customer spotlight: The Country School
A look at how The Country School combines device policies, monitoring, and Bark’s Connected Communities program to help students, families, and educators build confidence and healthier tech habits together.
K-12
Blog
Safety at school: A case study with Mount Vernon Presbyterian School
A look at how Mount Vernon partnered with families to create a more connected, proactive approach to digital safety.
K-12
Webinars
Childhood 2.0: How to reach and teach iGeneration kids
Kids today face a very different digital world, with new pressures around academics, social media, and mental health. This video explores why trusted adults need to take action early by building prevention, coping, and resiliency skills.
K-12
Product and technology
Monitoring: Bark’s AI, data, & technology
A detailed look at Bark’s AI, data handling, and compliance standards designed to give schools secure, reliable tools for supporting student safety.
K-12
Webinars
Online safety in 2026: What students, teachers and parents are asking for this year
Parents want visibility. Students want real-world skills. Teachers want support. District leaders are expected to deliver all three—often at the same time.
K-12
Webinars
Tech as a tool: A practical workshop for families & care teams
This interactive workshop from Turn Around Parenting and Bark shares simple, realistic ways to help families of kids with I/DD set expectations, support behavior, and make technology safer.
Developmental disabilities
Webinars
The role of technology in treatment
As technology becomes increasingly woven into every aspect of teens’ lives, treatment centers face a growing challenge: How do we prepare adolescents to safely navigate the digital world without compromising their emotional, psychological, or physical safety?
Behavioral health
Research and reports
Empowering therapeutic independence through real-world technology: A study with Cascade Academy
Cascade Academy is a leading residential treatment program specializing in adolescent girls with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Its clinical model is grounded in evidence-based care, trust, accountability, and the gradual development of independence.
Behavioral health
Research and reports
How Bark for Schools helps protect students online and in real life
Learn how Bark for Schools helped Plum Borough School District identify at-risk students, strengthen digital citizenship, and support student safety.
K-12
Webinars
Mitigating risk for your district
Understand where your student digital safety efforts may be falling short — and the key steps districts can take to fill common gaps.
K-12
Webinars
Parenting in a Tech World: How to prepare for what’s coming
Learn how to be proactive when it comes to online safety, including apps to watch and conversations to have.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities K-12
Product and technology
Bark for Schools+ intro and demo
This webinar covers Bark for Schools use cases, a live walkthrough, and success stories from real customers.
K-12
Insights
Aligning teaching, learning, and community support to improve student online safety
Key takeaways on how schools can support student safety with clearer priorities, earlier intervention, and stronger alignment with families.
K-12
Webinars
3 tech trends to watch for exceptional children
This session explores three key trends shaping their digital lives: the rise of AI and deepfakes, impulsive online behaviors with lasting impact, and new safety-focused technologies designed to support vulnerable students.
Developmental disabilities K-12
Research and reports
A year of action: From debate to empowerment in digital safety
2025 marked a turning point in digital safety, as conversations shifted into real action across policy, culture, and education. A growing focus on digital citizenship and shared responsibility is helping kids build the skills they need to navigate technology safely and responsibly.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities K-12
Research and reports
Bark’s 2025 Annual Report for behavioral health teams
Key insights for helping youth build safety and resilience in the digital age.
Behavioral health
Research and reports
Bark’s 2025 Annual Report for I/DD support professionals
Key insights for supporting individuals with I/DD in an increasingly digital world.
Developmental disabilities
Research and reports
Bark’s 2025 Annual Report for K–12 leaders
Key insights for helping students navigate safety, skills, and resilience online.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs Gabb
See how the Bark Phone stacks up to the Gabb Phone 4 Pro.
Behavioral health
Product and technology
Bark vs Linewize
See why Bark for Schools sets the standard for student safety compared to Linewize.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs Lightspeed Alert
See why Bark for Schools sets the standard for student safety compared to Lightspeed Alert.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs Securly Aware
See why Bark for Schools sets the standard for student safety compared to Securly Aware.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs Gaggle
See why Bark for Schools sets the standard for student safety compared to Gaggle.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs GoGuardian Beacon
See why Bark for Schools sets the standard for student safety compared to GoGuardian Beacon.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark vs AngelSense
See how the Bark Watch stacks up to the AngelSense GPS Tracker Watch.
Developmental disabilities
Research and reports
Building a holistic approach to safety: A Littleton case study
See how Littleton Public Schools rebuilt their safety efforts with a comprehensive, prevention-focused strategy and what other districts can learn from their experience.
K-12
Research and reports
How Bark empowers survivors in recovery: A case study with Poiema Foundation
This case study highlights how the Bark Phone supports Poiema’s mission to serve survivors of human trafficking — and how other recovery centers can integrate it into their programs.
Behavioral health
Insights
How one district built a stronger safety strategy after crisis
After facing multiple critical incidents, Littleton Public Schools rebuilt their safety strategy from the ground up — and their prevention coordinator now shares key insights to help other districts stay ahead of potential crises.
K-12
Product and technology
A safety ecosystem built for today’s online landscape
A look at how Bark’s safety ecosystem combines AI, education, and parent partnership to help protect students and support digital well-being.
K-12
Insights
Managing screen time at home
School support doesn’t end at the bell. Here are ways to support healthy tech habits for your child at home.
K-12
Product and technology
The Bark Watch for kids
A kid-friendly smartwatch with GPS tracking, messaging, and built-in monitoring — designed to help families stay connected without browsers, apps, or social media.
K-12
Product and technology
A guide to Bark’s family-safe tech products
No matter a child’s age or stage, we’ve got an option to help keep them safe online and in real life.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities
Product and technology
Using medicaid to access Bark safety solutions for kids with disabilities
Learn how Bark devices and parental controls may be eligible for purchase through Medicaid. This guide outlines available options, funding pathways, and how families can get started.
Developmental disabilities
Product and technology
Bark safety solutions for children with disabilities through Wisconsin Medicaid
Learn how Bark supports children and teens with disabilities through safety planning, skill development, and empowerment — now available through Wisconsin’s CLTS program using Medicaid funding.
Developmental disabilities
Product and technology
Connected Communities FAQ
An overview of Bark’s Connected Communities program, answering common questions about how it supports schools, families, and students with hands-on digital safety education.
K-12
Product and technology
How Bark supports individuals with disabilities
Bark can help you empower students with disabilities to navigate the digital world more safely and confidently.
Developmental disabilities
Research and reports
Where does a phone fit in recovery?
The challenge isn’t whether phones belong in recovery — it’s how they are introduced and managed.
Behavioral health
Product and technology
Why Bark is a safer option for at-risk youth
Organizations across the country are turning to Bark to help protect the families they serve.
Behavioral health
Product and technology
How Bark supports treatment centers
Enhance recovery outcomes using safer smartphones that can gradually reintroduce digital access for patients in a controlled environment.
Behavioral health
Product and technology
How Bark supports K-12
Bark provides internet safety technology and training that support school safety initiatives through AI-powered monitoring, web filtering, and anonymous reporting.
K-12
Product and technology
Bark for Schools+
Monitor student accounts for dangers, get 24/7 support for imminent alerts, and more to help protect your students online.
K-12
Product and technology
Connected Communities: A new approach to digital citizenship for students
Connected Communities is an immersive 3-day program for 4th- and 5th-grade students, educators, and parents, delivered in person by a Bark expert with virtual follow-ups throughout the year.
K-12
Product and technology
Safer by design: What makes Bark different than the iPhone
iPhones prioritize privacy but leave users vulnerable to hidden dangers. The Bark Phone closes those gaps with built-in safety that actually works.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities
Research and reports
2024 Annual Report
Critical insights from Bark’s 2024 Annual report on the safety and well-being of teens and tweens.
Behavioral health Developmental disabilities K-12
Research and reports
2024 Annual Report:
For behavioral health
Critical insights from Bark’s 2024 Annual Report on the safety and well-being of teens and tweens.
Behavioral health
Research and reports
2024 Annual Report:
For K-12 leaders
Critical insights from Bark’s 2024 Annual Report on the safety and well-being of teens and tweens.
K-12
Research and reports
5 critical gaps hiding in your back to school safety plan
Here are the most important emerging challenges as well as actionable solutions to support your staff, students, and community.
K-12
Webinars
Seeing the signs that save lives: Unlock the full potential of Bark for Schools
Have you wondered how Bark’s AI has powered safety alerts over the last 10 years, even as kid-speak, context, and social media trends keep changing?
Behavioral health K-12
Insights
Embracing Autism podcast: Katey McPherson speaks to the Bark Watch
Developmental disabilities
Product and technology
Bark for Schools+ vs Free
Bark for Schools+ has exclusive features to support schools that use Google Workspace that want to respond to imminent issues as quickly as possible.
K-12
Stay ahead of the latest online safety trends.
The digital landscape is constantly changing. Sign up to receive new research, tools, and resources as soon as they’re released.
