Nannies Learning More about Hidden Cameras
Jan 14, 2010
If you’re utilizing the services of a caregiver, babysitter, or nanny, it’s important to remember that the hidden camera you’ve been using to monitor his or her behavior may not be so hidden anymore. Nannies and babysitters have become smarter than ever when it comes to seeking out any hidden surveillance cameras or audio monitors you’ve hidden in your child’s bedroom, playroom, or other areas in your home. As a result, you’ve got to change your strategy for monitoring the safety of your home and child.
Try using less visible options like tissue box cameras, or other hidden camera options that are less obvious as nannies have developed a strategy for tracking down any tracking devices in a home. They know what things to look for and they have common places that they always look. Beat them by getting creative about where you choose to set up your monitoring devices. Long gone are the days of hiding cameras in teddy bears. Nannies have gotten smarter. You should too.
Protect your family by using some of the more sophisticated hidden cameras from Spytown.com.
The idea of having a “nanny cam” – or a hidden camera – has become quite controversial in recent years. Some parents think it’s a great way to keep track of their children and their nannies, while others think it’s a blatant invasion of privacy.
Further, some parents are up front about the device, telling their caretaker that they will be using the camera to check in periodically. Others use it secretly to ensure that their nanny is taking proper care of their children.
The issue is more of an ethical matter than a legal one. As long as parents aren’t taping footage of nannies without their consent, nanny cams are legal in all 50 states. But here’s the moral dilemma: Should parents tell nannies if they have a nanny cam?
Many parents are using cameras hidden in teddy bears, houseplants, clocks, etc. to keep tabs on their children… as well as their nannies. Is this smart parenting or an invasion of privacy?
Consider the following:
Have you told your nanny about the camera and use it in a positive way – to see what your children are doing rather than keeping tabs on what your nanny is doing? Do you check in throughout the day to see your cute kids playing? Or…
Are you keeping your “nanny cam” a secret because you don’t trust your childcare provider? Has she given you any reason to question her capabilities? Are you worried over news reports about nannies harming babies and want to covertly watch her behavior?
In my line of work, I hear arguments on both side of the debate. I always encourage honesty between parents and their nannies, and urge parents to hire nannies that they trust to take great care of their children.
If parents have any reason to doubt their nannies, I recommend that they sit down and have a discussion about these concerns. I counsel them to trust their instincts – if they’re still uncomfortable about something even after talking to their nanny about it, then it’s time to consider other childcare options.