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Bark Technologies

School and parental monitoring software used by 3,400+ schools. Monitors student communications for mental health risk, but criticized for false positives, LGBTQ+ student outing, and chilling effects on students seeking help.

Track Record

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Bark school surveillance software criticized for outing LGBTQ+ students and chilling mental health help-seeking

Jan 1, 2024

Bark Technologies monitors 3,400+ schools, assigning mental health 'risk scores' to students based on their communications. Research found 44% of schools report students contacted by police due to monitoring. GoGuardian (similar tool) flags LGBTQ+ resources and counseling sites. A trans student was reported to officials for a writing assignment about past therapy. Students report self-censoring and avoiding online mental health resources due to surveillance. Academic research found 'universal mental health screening does not improve clinical or academic outcomes and has harmful effects.'

- Child Safety- LGBTQ+ Rights+ Surveillance Technology- User Privacy
Sources: Center for Democracy and Technology(opens in new tab)· Vice(opens in new tab)· Nextgov(opens in new tab)