Bark is the app that raises a red flag when your kid is texting about sex, drugs or suicide

We all are familiar with some of the benign codes used while texting. Most of these are abbreviations that are used as shortcuts. For example, instead of  Laugh Out Loud, you would type LOL. Other widely used and popular codes include NP for No Problem and BRB for Be Right Back. But not all of these codes are G-rated. Some of them are used by sneaky teens trying to communicate a particular message hidden by the use of the codes.

An app called Bark connects with over 20 messaging and social media platforms over both iOS and Android. It monitors your kid's online activity 24/7, looking out for codes that could indicate that your kid is involved in sexual activities, drugs, or is considering suicide. The codes that Bark looks out for include:

• 53X = sneaky way to type "sex"
• KMS = kill myself
• LH6 = let’s have sex
• KYS = kill yourself
• MOS = mom over the shoulder
• POS = parent over shoulder
• CD9 = code 9, parents around
• GNOC = get naked on camera.
• 99 = parents are gone
• WTTP = want to trade photos?
• LMIRL = let’s meet in real life
• 1174 = meet at a party spot
• IWSN = I want sex now
• CU46 = see you for sex
• FWB = friends with benefits
• ADR = what’s your address
• MPFB = my personal f*** buddy
• PAL= parents are listening
• TWD = texting while driving
• GYPO = get your pants off

Bark analyzes 10 million messages a month found on 21 platforms including text, email, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. Brian Bason, CEO of Bark, notes that context is important when determining whether someone is in danger, or not in their right mind. For example, children using the codes KMS (kill myself) and KYS (kill yourself) might appear suicidal. But if the codes are used after an embarrassing act is discussed, there probably is no intent to commit suicide. For example, Bark might see the following dialogue: "I dropped my lunch all over my shirt. Gonna KMS." Obviously, in this situation the use of this code wouldn't set off the sires, bells and whistles as it might have otherwise.

 

To get started, visit Bark's website by clicking on the sourcelink. Bark is currently offering one free month. After the free trial ends, you can continue using the service for a price of $9 a month, which includes everything you need to monitor your kid's texts.

source: Bark via USAToday