mmguardian vs bark
parental control app s have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more children gain access to smartphones and other devices. With the rise of social media and online communication, parents are understandably concerned about their children’s safety and well-being in the digital world. This has led to the development of various parental control apps , with two of the most popular being MMGuardian and Bark. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two apps and compare their features, pricing, and overall effectiveness in helping parents monitor and protect their children online.
MMGuardian is a comprehensive parental control app that offers a wide range of features, including web filtering, app blocking, call and text monitoring, location tracking, and screen time management. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the respective app stores. MMGuardian has been around since 2011 and has gained a loyal user base over the years due to its user-friendly interface and robust features. On the other hand, Bark is a relatively new player in the parental control market, having been founded in 2015. However, it has quickly gained popularity for its advanced AI-powered monitoring and alert system, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article.
One of the most crucial aspects of any parental control app is its ability to filter and block inappropriate content. Both MMGuardian and Bark offer web filtering and blocking features, but there are some notable differences. MMGuardian uses a keyword-based system to block websites that contain specific words or phrases. This means that if a website contains any of the words on the blocklist, it will be blocked. While this can be effective, it can also lead to false positives, where innocent websites are blocked due to the presence of a blocked keyword. On the other hand, Bark uses advanced AI technology to analyze the content of websites and determine whether they are appropriate or not. This makes it more accurate and efficient in blocking inappropriate content, giving parents peace of mind that their children are not accessing harmful websites.
Another key feature of parental control apps is app blocking, which allows parents to restrict their children’s access to certain apps on their devices. MMGuardian offers app blocking for both Android and iOS devices, while Bark only offers this feature for Android. With MMGuardian, parents can block specific apps on their child’s device or set time limits for app usage. However, Bark takes app blocking to the next level by allowing parents to monitor and manage their children’s apps remotely. This means that parents can view their child’s app usage and block or unblock apps from their own device, providing them with greater control and flexibility.
Call and text monitoring is another essential feature that both MMGuardian and Bark offer. With MMGuardian, parents can view their child’s call and text logs, as well as set up restrictions for certain contacts. This can be helpful in preventing children from communicating with strangers or undesirable individuals. On the other hand, Bark goes beyond call and text monitoring and offers advanced social media monitoring. This means that it can monitor not only calls and texts but also messages and posts on popular social media platforms like Facebook , Instagram , and Snapchat. This is a crucial feature as social media has become a primary mode of communication for children, and it is essential for parents to be aware of their child’s activity on these platforms.
Location tracking is another feature that can provide parents with peace of mind, knowing where their children are at all times. MMGuardian offers real-time location tracking, allowing parents to view their child’s location on a map. It also has geofencing, which sends an alert to parents when their child enters or leaves a designated area. On the other hand, Bark does not have location tracking as it primarily focuses on online monitoring. However, it does offer an SOS feature, where children can send an alert to their parents with their current location in case of an emergency.
Screen time management is an essential feature for parents who want to limit their child’s screen time and promote healthy device usage. MMGuardian has a comprehensive screen time management feature that allows parents to set daily and weekly time limits for their child’s device usage. It also has a bedtime control feature that restricts device usage during designated sleeping hours. With Bark, parents can set up schedules for when their child’s device is allowed to be used, and they can also remotely lock their child’s device if necessary.
Now let’s talk about the pricing of these two apps. MMGuardian offers a free version, but it has limited features and is ad-supported. To access all the features, parents will need to upgrade to the premium version, which costs $3.99 per month for Android and $5.99 per month for iOS. Bark also has a free trial, but its premium version costs $9 per month, which is significantly higher than MMGuardian. However, Bark’s premium version includes unlimited child devices, whereas MMGuardian charges an additional $1 per month for each additional child device.
One of the most significant differences between MMGuardian and Bark is their monitoring and alert system. MMGuardian relies on parents to manually monitor their child’s activity and set up alerts for specific keywords or contacts. On the other hand, Bark uses advanced AI technology to analyze and monitor all of the child’s activity, including messages, posts, and even images. This means that it can detect potential risks and alert parents in real-time, giving them the opportunity to intervene and protect their child before any harm is done.
In terms of customer support, both MMGuardian and Bark offer email support, FAQs, and tutorials on their websites. However, MMGuardian also has a live chat feature, which can be beneficial for parents who need immediate assistance. Additionally, MMGuardian has a comprehensive user guide that helps parents navigate through the app and understand its features.
In conclusion, both MMGuardian and Bark are excellent parental control apps that offer a wide range of features to help parents monitor and protect their children online. MMGuardian is more affordable and has been around longer, while Bark has a more advanced monitoring system and offers social media monitoring. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of each family. It is essential for parents to thoroughly research and understand the features and pricing of each app before making a decision. Whichever app they choose, it is crucial for parents to have open communication with their children and set clear rules and boundaries for device usage to ensure their safety and well-being in the digital world.
what is asl slang
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex and dynamic language that is used by millions of people in the United States and Canada. It is a visual language that is expressed through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. While it is an official language recognized by the United States government, ASL has its own unique slang that is used by the Deaf community and those who are fluent in the language. ASL slang is constantly evolving and can vary depending on location and age group. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of ASL slang and its importance in the Deaf community.
Origins of ASL Slang
Like any language, ASL has evolved over time through the influence of its users. ASL slang, also known as “signing slang”, is a part of this evolution. It is believed that ASL slang originated in the 1960s and 1970s when Deaf people began to gather in larger numbers and interact with each other more frequently. During this time, ASL slang was used as a way to create a sense of identity and community among Deaf people. It was also used as a way to express humor, sarcasm, and playfulness in conversations.
ASL slang is heavily influenced by English, but it also incorporates elements of French Sign Language, which was brought to the United States by Laurent Clerc, a Deaf educator, in the early 19th century. Many ASL signs have their origins in French Sign Language and have been adapted over time to fit the needs of the Deaf community in the United States. This blending of languages has contributed to the uniqueness of ASL slang.
Types of ASL Slang
ASL slang can be divided into several categories, including classifiers, idioms, and regional variations. Classifiers are hand shapes that are used to represent nouns, verbs, and adjectives in ASL. However, in ASL slang, classifiers are often used to create new signs that are not found in traditional ASL. For example, the ASL sign for “car” is created by using a classifier handshape to represent the car’s wheels. In ASL slang, this sign can be used to mean “cool” or “awesome”.
Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a different meaning than the literal meaning of the words. In ASL, idioms are expressed through hand gestures and facial expressions. One example of an ASL idiom is the phrase “I’m all ears”, which is expressed by pointing to the ears with both hands. In ASL slang, this phrase can be used to mean “I’m listening” or “I’m paying attention”.
Regional variations in ASL slang are influenced by the different Deaf communities across the United States and Canada. Just as spoken language can vary from region to region, ASL slang can also vary. For example, the ASL slang sign for “girl” may be different in California than it is in New York. This regional variation adds to the diversity and richness of ASL slang.
Importance of ASL Slang in the Deaf Community
ASL slang is not just a casual way of speaking among friends. It serves an important role in the Deaf community and is a vital part of Deaf culture. For many Deaf individuals, ASL is their first and primary language. As such, ASL slang is an essential part of their language and identity. It allows them to communicate more effectively and express themselves more fully.
ASL slang also serves as a way for Deaf individuals to differentiate themselves from the hearing world. While ASL is an official language recognized by the government, it is often seen as a “secret” language that is only understood by those who are part of the Deaf community. ASL slang adds an extra layer of exclusivity to the language, creating a sense of solidarity and belonging among Deaf individuals.
In addition, ASL slang can be seen as a form of resistance against the dominant hearing culture. Many Deaf individuals have faced discrimination and oppression because of their deafness. ASL slang serves as a way to assert their linguistic and cultural identity and reject the idea that they should conform to the hearing world’s norms and standards.
Examples of ASL Slang
ASL slang is constantly evolving, and new signs are being created all the time. However, there are some commonly used ASL slang signs that have become part of the mainstream Deaf culture. Here are some examples of ASL slang:
1. “Cool” – This sign is created by brushing the fingertips of one hand across the chin of the other hand. It is often used to express excitement or approval.
2. “What’s up?” – This sign is created by tapping the forehead with the index finger. It is a casual greeting used among friends.
3. “Awesome” – This sign is created by circling one hand over the chest with the palm facing down. It is used to express something that is great or amazing.
4. “Thank you” – This sign is created by placing the fingertips of the dominant hand on the palm of the other hand, then moving the dominant hand forward and down. It is a casual and abbreviated way of saying “thank you”.
5. “Crazy” – This sign is created by making a “C” with one hand and moving it in a circular motion in front of the forehead. It is used to express something that is surprising or unbelievable.
6. “Hang out” – This sign is created by holding both hands up with the palms facing each other, then bringing the hands together and separating them repeatedly. It is used to ask someone to spend time together casually.
7. “What’s the matter?” – This sign is created by placing the fingertips of the dominant hand on the palm of the other hand, then moving the dominant hand back and forth. It is used to ask someone what is wrong or why they are upset.
8. “Money” – This sign is created by rubbing the thumb and fingers of one hand together. It is used to ask for or talk about money.
9. “I’m done” – This sign is created by making a fist with both hands and bringing them down to the sides of the body. It is used to express that someone has finished or completed something.
10. “Hurry up” – This sign is created by making a “C” with one hand and moving it in a circular motion in front of the chest. It is used to tell someone to move faster or to hurry.
Conclusion
ASL slang is a fascinating and important aspect of Deaf culture. It has its roots in the Deaf community’s desire to create a sense of identity and belonging, and it continues to evolve and change as the Deaf community grows and develops. ASL slang is not only a way of communicating, but it also serves as a way for Deaf individuals to resist oppression and assert their cultural and linguistic identity. As ASL continues to gain recognition and acceptance, it is important to recognize and appreciate the role that ASL slang plays in the Deaf community.