| Nanny cams have become so much a part of | | | | running into legal trouble for as long |
| our culture. It will not come as a | | | | as there is no audio involved. There is |
| surprise to you if almost every parent | | | | a federal law banning the taping of |
| you know who has a nanny, or who have | | | | conversations without the knowledge and |
| hired nannies in the past 2 years, have | | | | consent of the person being taped. |
| installed nanny cams. Before you | | | | There is also a Supreme Court decision |
| purchase and install your own hidden | | | | stating that videotaping the nanny in |
| cameras (another term for nanny | | | | your own home, even without her |
| cameras), educate yourself on the | | | | knowledge, does not constitute invasion |
| disclosure issues, legality and ethics | | | | of privacy. However, be very sure that |
| regarding the use of these spy gears. | | | | you keep off private bedrooms |
| Disclosure Decisions | | | | (especially her bedroom for a live-in |
| There are no hard and fast rules on | | | | nanny) and bathrooms. |
| disclosures of the presence of nanny | | | | Also remember that video footages from |
| cams. You can choose to either keep mum | | | | nanny cams are admissible evidence in |
| about them or you can inform your | | | | litigation for child abuse. However, |
| prospective nanny about them. | | | | you need to diligently guard against |
| However, it is highly recommended that | | | | your child being subjected to abuse or |
| you inform your prospective nanny about | | | | neglect; if you suspect that the nanny |
| plans for installing hidden cameras | | | | is abusing your child, then immediately |
| around the house. A professional | | | | terminate her services. The hassles of |
| discussion about your reasons for the | | | | hiring a new nanny will be peanuts |
| spy cameras - burglar security, special | | | | compared to seeing your child suffer at |
| needs child, and peace of mind - can | | | | the hands of the old nanny should you |
| pave the way for understanding and | | | | fail to act as soon as possible. |
| empathy. | | | | Ethics Concerns |
| Your disclosure can even help you decide | | | | No argument about it, hidden cameras |
| on the choice of nanny. Often, the | | | | pose ethical questions. Even with spy |
| refusal of a prospective nanny towards | | | | gears in place, a bad nanny will only |
| having the house monitored is a clear | | | | behave for a while, after which she can |
| warning signal for hidden agenda. | | | | revert to her abusive and negligent |
| However, in the interest of fairness, | | | | ways. Surveillance cameras are not |
| you still have to ask the prospective | | | | deterrent to criminal behavior and might |
| nanny her reasons for refusal of nanny | | | | even inspire criminal exhibitionists! |
| cams. You can weigh them against your | | | | There is also the concern of living in a |
| need for surveillance. | | | | Big Brother type of environment. Would |
| If the nanny agrees to nanny cameras and | | | | you really like to live in a house full |
| you decide to hire her, then a written | | | | of mistrust for the individual you |
| and signed agreement regarding | | | | entrust your precious child with? |
| videotapes must be drawn up. This will | | | | Ultimately, your diligence in carefully |
| help to avoid sticky situations in the | | | | choosing your nanny - from seeking only |
| future. | | | | reputable agencies, checking references, |
| Legality Issues | | | | background checks, and interviews - can |
| There are also no common laws for the | | | | help you avoid the thorny issues of |
| use of hidden cameras to spy on your | | | | nanny cams. |
| nanny. You have to consult your lawyer | | | | For further information on issues about |
| about the legality of using surveillance | | | | spy equipment like wireless nanny cams |
| equipment around the house, especially | | | | and where to buy a nanny spy camera |
| when other people are videotaped. | | | | visit now! Nanny cams have never looked |
| However, one general rule does apply. | | | | better with them! |
| You can videotape your nanny without | | | | |