Why is Bark Blocking All Internet? Understanding and Troubleshooting Internet Blockages

Bark, a popular parental control app, can sometimes seem overzealous, leading to the frustration of blocked internet access. The reasons for this complete blockage can be multifaceted, ranging from simple configuration errors to more complex network conflicts. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for parents to effectively manage their child’s online safety without unintentionally cutting off all internet access. Primarily, Bark blocks all internet access due to strict screen time rules, website filtering settings, networking device conflicts, or VPN issues. By addressing these specific areas, you can usually restore internet access while maintaining the desired level of online protection.

Common Reasons Bark Might Be Blocking All Internet

Several factors can contribute to Bark completely blocking internet access on your child’s device or across your home network. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent culprits:

• Strict Screen Time Rules: Bark allows parents to set very specific screen time limits. If these limits are configured too restrictively, they can effectively block all internet access once the allotted time is up. It is important to review if you have unintentionally set a screen time that has already expired.

• Aggressive Website Filtering: Bark’s website filtering feature lets you block specific sites or entire categories of websites (e.g., streaming services, online gaming). If you’ve inadvertently blocked essential websites or categories, it can appear as though all internet access is blocked.

• Networking Device Conflicts: Bark Home, the device designed to monitor your home network, can sometimes conflict with existing networking devices like routers, mesh units, network extenders, and network switches. These conflicts can occur if these devices aren’t properly assigned to the “Ignored” profile within the Bark app or dashboard. This tells Bark to leave their traffic alone.

• VPN Interference: Bark relies on a VPN to filter content and monitor online activity. If the VPN malfunctions, is disabled (especially on Android devices where it can be passcode-protected), or conflicts with other VPNs, it can disrupt internet connectivity.

• Paused Internet: While seemingly obvious, it’s easy to accidentally pause the internet through the Bark app. This feature is designed for quick breaks but can be overlooked as the root cause of a total internet blockage.

• Bark System Updates or Outages: Occasionally, system updates or unexpected outages on Bark’s servers can temporarily disrupt service, leading to internet connectivity issues. It’s a good idea to check Bark’s official website or social media channels for announcements.

• Firewall Issues: Rarely, a firewall on your router or computer may mistakenly identify Bark’s traffic as malicious, resulting in an internet blockage. Ensuring Bark’s traffic is allowed through the firewall is essential for avoiding connectivity problems.

Troubleshooting Steps to Restore Internet Access

If Bark is blocking all internet, here’s a systematic approach to identify and resolve the issue:

1. Check Screen Time Rules: Open the Bark parent app or dashboard and review the screen time schedules. Ensure the allotted time hasn’t expired and that the rules aren’t overly restrictive. Adjust the schedule if necessary.

2. Review Website Filtering Settings: Examine the website filtering settings to see if any essential websites or categories have been inadvertently blocked. Temporarily disable filtering to see if it resolves the issue and then re-enable it, making changes slowly to allow your child access to what they need.

3. Inspect Networking Device Configuration (Bark Home Users): If you’re using Bark Home, verify that all networking devices (routers, extenders, etc.) are correctly assigned to the “Ignored” profile. This prevents Bark from interfering with their traffic.

4. Verify VPN Status: Ensure Bark’s VPN is enabled and functioning correctly on your child’s device. On Android, check that the VPN is passcode-protected to prevent accidental disabling. If you suspect a conflict with another VPN, temporarily disable the other VPN to test.

5. Confirm Internet is Not Paused: Double-check that you haven’t accidentally paused the internet through the Bark app. The pause feature is often easily overlooked.

6. Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, a corrupted browser cache can cause connectivity issues. Clearing the cache of browsers like Chrome or Safari can resolve these problems.

7. Restart Devices: A simple restart of the child’s device, the Bark Home device (if applicable), and your router can often resolve temporary glitches and restore internet access.

8. Contact Bark Support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Bark’s customer support for assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your configuration.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Blockages

To minimize the chances of Bark blocking all internet in the future, consider these proactive measures:

• Communicate with Your Child: Discuss the purpose of Bark and its features with your child. Explain the rationale behind screen time limits and website filtering. Open communication can foster trust and reduce the likelihood of them trying to circumvent the system. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, emphasizes the importance of open communication with kids and setting up a responsible gaming environment.

• Regularly Review Settings: Periodically review Bark’s settings (screen time rules, website filtering) to ensure they’re still appropriate and not overly restrictive. Adapt the settings as your child matures and their needs change.

• Test New Configurations: Before implementing significant changes to Bark’s settings, test them to ensure they don’t inadvertently block essential websites or functionalities.

• Keep Bark App Updated: Regularly update the Bark app to the latest version to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

• Educate Yourself on Bark’s Features: Take the time to understand all of Bark’s features and how they interact with each other. This will help you configure the app effectively and troubleshoot issues more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bark and Internet Blocking

1. Does Bark interfere with Wi-Fi?

Yes, Bark can interfere with Wi-Fi, especially if you’re using Bark Home and the networking devices are not correctly configured.

2. Can a child delete the Bark app?

You’ll be alerted if your child uninstalls the Bark for Kids companion app. You can prevent uninstallation on iOS using Apple’s Screen Time and on Android by ensuring the Bark for Kids app is version 3.0.9 or higher.

3. Can Bark see incognito mode?

Yes, on Android devices, Bark monitors web browsing, including incognito mode on the Chrome browser/app.

4. Can kids tell Bark is on their phone?

Yes, kids will be aware of Bark’s presence. It’s recommended to have a conversation with them beforehand to foster trust.

5. How can I tell if my child is using a VPN?

Search for “VPN” in their device’s operating system or look for popular VPN apps.

6. How do I stop my child from turning off VPN?

On Android devices and Bark Phone, you can passcode protect Bark’s VPN to prevent it from being disabled. For Apple devices, you can change Screen Time settings and set Background App Activities to Don’t Allow.

7. How do I stop my child from deleting the Bark app?

Use Apple’s Screen Time to prevent your child from deleting apps or ensure the Bark for Kids app is version 3.0.9 or higher on Android.

8. Does Bark detect sexting?

Yes, Bark alerts parents if its algorithms detect sexting, bullying, profanity, or signs of depression in the child’s communications.

9. Can Bark see my hidden photos?

No, Bark doesn’t provide access to every single picture and video. It alerts you only for issues like bullying, self-harm, and sexual predators detected in your kid’s saved photos and videos.

10. Can the Bark app track you?

Yes, Bark’s location features include real-time tracking, location alerts, and check-ins.

11. What does Bark restrict?

Bark restricts access to specific websites or whole categories like streaming services, online gaming, sexual content, and more.

12. Does Bark block cellular data?

The Bark Phone can connect to Wi-Fi and use cellular data. Parents can also completely, temporarily disable internet access on their child’s phone, including cellular data.

13. Can my school stop me from using a VPN?

Using a VPN may go against your school’s policies. The school can detect if you’re connecting with a VPN, so check their specific policies.

14. Can parental controls block a VPN?

If you’re using a service with parental controls, such as Norton Antivirus, a VPN won’t bypass the set website filters.

15. What gets flagged on Bark?

Bark flags issues like bullying, self-harm, and sexual predators detected in your child’s communications, sending alerts with a copy of the concerning content and recommended actions.

Parental control apps like Bark are powerful tools for safeguarding children online. However, understanding their functionalities and potential pitfalls is critical for effective implementation. By following the troubleshooting steps and preventive measures outlined above, you can minimize the risk of Bark blocking all internet access while still providing a safe and monitored online environment for your child.