Paulding Putnam To Offer Bark Online Safety Software FREE with ParentProtect Internet Package
Nationally, cyberbullying among teens has more than doubled over the past two decades, climbing from roughly 19% in 2007 to nearly 55% today, according to research from the Cyberbullying Research Center. Among elementary-age children, the CDC reports that roughly one in ten elementary schools already deal with bullying incidents on a weekly basis — a signal that online risks are reaching kids well before middle school.
Nearly all children ages 3 to 18 now have some form of internet access, putting even the youngest students within reach of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Paulding Putnam is responding to this trend head-on. Beginning September 9, 2026, the co-op will include Bark — a leading online safety and parental control platform — free of charge with every ParentProtect fiber internet package, at no additional cost to members.
“Protecting our members isn’t limited to keeping the lights on or delivering fast, reliable internet — it’s about looking out for the whole household, including the kids who are growing up more connected than any generation before them,” says Paulding Putnam CEO & President Randy Price.
About Bark and What’s Included
Bark monitors more than 30 apps and platforms — including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook — and uses advanced detection to alert parents to signs of cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, violence, and other online risks, without exposing every private message a child sends. The platform also gives parents tools to:
• Filter and block inappropriate websites and content categories
• Set and manage screen time limits by device
• Receive location alerts when a child arrives at or leaves a designated place
• Bark’s software is already used to help protect millions of children nationwide and is deployed in nearly 1,300 school districts to support student online safety.
About Paulding Putnam’s ParentProtect Package
ParentProtect is available through Paulding Putnam’s fiber internet network at speeds of 500×500 Mbps or 1 Gig, and includes:
• Free managed Wi-Fi with built-in cybersecurity protection
• Free standard installation
• No contracts and no hidden fees
• Local, member-first service from a cooperative that has served the region since 1935
Community Education Events
Ahead of the September rollout, Paulding Putnam staff are attending open house events at local schools to talk directly with parents and teachers about online safety, answer questions, and share resources.
Staff attended Grover Hill Elementary’s and Crestview’s open house .
“Bringing Bark into our ParentProtect package at no extra cost is exactly the kind of investment a cooperative should make, not because it drives profit, but because it’s the right thing to do for the families who own this co-op. That’s been true since 1935, and it’s still true today,” says Renee Hull, Paulding Putnam’s Chief Finance Officer.
More information about Bark and the ParentProtect internet package is available at www.ppec.coop/for-home/internet-packages/parent-protect/bark/. Those with questions can call the office at 800-686-2357, email member_services@ppec.coop, or visit www.PPEC.coop/internet.
