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