Dear Parents,
When schools give students access to devices and online accounts, an incredible world of learning opportunities opens up — as well as potential dangers. Digital safety is critically important to Bradley County Schools, which is why we are now using Bark for Schools+ to help us protect our students both online and in real life.
Bark monitors for signs of potential issues like:
- Cyberbullying
- Suicidal ideation
- Sexual predators
- Threats of violence
- And more
Alerts at the first signs of danger
When possible dangers arise on school-issued accounts, Bark for Schools sends us alerts so we can address the situation in a timely manner. These alerts also give us insights that help us promote the wellness of the entire student body.
Sign up to get alerts with Parent Portal
Kids use their school-issued accounts both at school and at home, and families are often in a better position to respond to urgent alerts after hours, on weekends, and during breaks. In the coming days, you will receive an invitation to create your free account for the Bark for Schools Parent Portal. As soon as you opt-in, you’ll be able to receive alerts if Bark detects potentially time-sensitive issues.
In order to receive the invitation, you will need to make sure your school has the correct email address in our Student Information System - Synergy. Please complete this Google Form with your email address and student information if you want access to the Bark Parent Portal. - https://forms.gle/Nc5YW835DwbtuQXSA
Check out these parenting resources
- Visit the Bark Blog to stay informed on all things kids and tech.
- Download this guide for helpful tips on talking to your child about common issues.
- Join the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group and connect with other parents raising kids in the digital age.
Additionally, Bark is offering all parents access to their Bark Jr platform, which will allow parents the ability to filter, monitor, and manage students' personal devices. You can find out more information about Bark Jr. on the Bark.us website.
What will parents get with a Bark Jr account?
- Ability to manage screen time on mobile devices
- Set different rules for school time and bedtime
- Filter which websites your kids can visit
- Keep up with kids with location check-ins
Learn more about Bark for Schools — including their commitment to student privacy. If you have additional questions, please let us know. Thank you for your support as we strive to help keep our students safe online.
Best wishes,
Scott Webb
Instructional Technology Supervisor
Attached Information and links:
Sign up for the Bark Parent Portal - https://forms.gle/Nc5YW835DwbtuQXSA
Sign up for Bark Jr. - https://www.bark.us/