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