October 2020
Within the space of a year, children’s online behavior has drastically changed. With more education, entertainment, and social activity occurring online these days, children across the nation are on their devices more than ever and monitoring their activity is increasingly stressful for the adults in their lives.
The local school districts and STE have been working together to create a safe place for students online. But it is also important for families to have the tools they need to stay informed on their child’s online behavior.
For this reason, beginning in November 2020, STE is providing ALL families in our service area with a FREE one-year subscription to Bark, the nation’s leading monitoring and screen-time management service for children.
How does it work?
Bark utilizes artificial intelligence to flag key words, look at language in context, and monitor images and audio for concerning content. They monitor over 30 popular apps and social media platforms, including text messaging and email, for signs of digital dangers. Parents only receive notifications when potential concerns are identified, saving you time, and establishing healthy boundaries for your child’s online activities.
Bark tools are programmed to identify and monitor:
- Online predators
- Adult content
- Sexting
- Cyberbullying
- Drug use
- Suicidal thoughts and more
Is this something that would help your family? This free gift is not restricted to STE Customers and a service commitment is not required. Individuals with school age children within the STE serving area are invited to contact STE to receive their own Bark gift card.
Technology is a fantastic thing. Our children will be better prepared to take control of their future education, career, and health needs with the technology skills they are developing today. STE is dedicated to keeping children safe while helping families embrace the powerful benefits of the internet.
Want to learn more? Visit Bark.us for more information about their monitoring and alert system or call 573.775.2111 to speak with a STE representative.