Do you constantly worry about how your nanny is treating your child when you are not at home? If yes, you are definitely not alone. Several parents spend all day fretting about how their children are being treated or cared for in their absence.
Unfortunately, in the last few decades several instances have been brought to light, where physical and mental abuse has been meted out by nannies...
Therefore, it is hardly surprising that many parents are now thinking about using a hidden surveillance device installed at home to monitor the behavior of their child’s caregiver. These devices that record images of interaction between your child and his nanny are known as nanny cams.
It is legal to record images with a nanny cam in all the 50 states, though these have to be visible cams that do not record sound. Therefore, you can only place a nanny cam in the general areas of your home, like the living room, the kitchen and the play area. Daycare centers and schools have also started installing cameras on their premises, to record the interaction between teachers, caregivers and children.
However, you cannot place a camera or any kind of surveillance equipment in your bathroom or in your nanny’s room (in case you have a live in nanny). Your nanny is entitled to her privacy and placing cameras in her personal space would be a severe breach of her privacy.
Moreover, it is illegal to use a nanny cam that records speech, without the person’s consent, in 15 states, which include –
These states have very specific “wiretapping and eavesdropping laws” because of which you cannot record your nanny’s voice without her awareness and consent.
There are many different types of nanny cams available in electronics stores or online. Some of these devices are mounted on to the walls, though the higher-end cams need to be hidden in jars or are disguised into stuffed animals. Some of these nanny cams actually transmit images to you over the internet or your cell phone every few hours. The price of a nanny cam may be anywhere between US$ 100 and US$ 500, depending upon how advanced it is.
This cam may help you feel more relaxed and at ease when you are away from home. Once you are sure that your nanny’s behavior is appropriate even when you are not around, you are likely to feel more confident leaving your child with her.
Most caregivers do not have an objection to being recorded, as long as they are aware of the fact that they are under surveillance. However, several nannies believe that installing a nanny cam, with or without their knowledge, shows lack of confidence in their abilities. This could have an adverse effect on their willingness to work for you and look after your child.
Therefore, before you decide to introduce a nanny cam into your home, do carefully consider the overall impact it could have on your child and his caregiver.
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