Written by Tanya of Igniting Embers
BARK Technologies
Founded in 2015 by former Twitter executive Brian Bason, the BARK organization focuses on helping parents safeguard their children’s digital experiences, including screen time management and web filtering. In 2024, they analyzed 7.9 billion online activities across texts, emails, YouTube, and over 30 apps, highlighting children’s exposure to online risks.
BARK’S 2024 Annual Report
Exposure to Sexual Content
Over 6 3% of tweens (ages 10–12) and more than 77% of teens (ages 13–17) encountered nudity or sexual content online. In a survey conducted by Common Sense Media, 15% of teens stated they saw pornography for the first time before they turned 11.
Self-Harm and Suicide
Nearly 37% of tweens and almost 60% of teens were involved in situations related to self-harm or suicide. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for kids ages 10–14. —CDC
Bullying
More than 70% of both groups reported experiencing, witnessing, or participating in bullying. Bullying can happen anywhere, at any time — day or night. More than just teasing, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
Online Predators
Approximately 10% of tweens and 20% of teens encountered predatory behaviors online. It takes only 8 minutes for a predator to bond with a child. —International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children
Depression
Around 35% of tweens and 43% of teens showed signs of depression in their online activities.
Anxiety
22% of tweens and 40% of teens who spent more than 3 hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. —U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Violence
Over 72% of tweens and 82% of teens were exposed to violent content online.
What Apps Came Out on Top?
KiK, X, Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, Steam, WhatsApp, Tumblr, and Reddit
The Most dangerous apps that BARK identified that give the most issues for families are:
(Apps are listed in order of severity 1 – 5)
Severe Sexual Content: KiK — X -–Reddit—Tumblr—Instagram
Severe Suicidal Ideation: X –Instagram –Discord –Snapchat –Steam
Depression: X –Instagram –Snapchat –WhatsApp –Discord
Body Image Concerns: X –Instagram –Snapchat –Tumblr–WhatsApp
Severe Bullying: X –Snapchat –KiK –Snapchat –Discord
Hate Speech: KiK –X –Reddit –Tumblr –Instagram
Severe Violence: Steam –Instagram –Snapchat –X –Reddit
*For more in-depth information on the results, BARK 2024 Report
