Nanny Cameras: More and more popular!
Nanny
cameras have become more and more popular among consumers during recent years.
As a result of improvements in camera technology nanny cams have become smaller
and less expensive, putting them within affordable reach of parents who want to
make sure that their children are being well treated while they are away.
Many
parents make the decision to purchase a nanny camera as a response to suspicious
behavior, such as seemingly evasive answers given by a nanny when the parents
return about how the children spent their time. Finding bumps or bruises on a
child is also a good reason to buy a nanny cam; even if an explanation has been
given it is possible that the nanny is lying or (in the case of slightly older
children) that the children have been intimidated into silence about a
caretaker's abusive behavior.
Others
choose to set up surveillance cameras in their homes ahead of time. The sooner
that inappropriate or abusive actions are detected, the less chance there is
for children to be hurt. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure is important to keep in mind when entrusting the well being of
children to a nanny.
Finally,
parents who have installed nanny cams in their homes may discover that the
person they've hired to watch the kids and house is slacking off, watching
television and ignoring the children, stealing things from the house, or
causing other kinds of mischief. In the event that all is well, having a nanny
camera system set up lets parents ease their anxiety by finding out exactly
what the babysitter or caretaker is doing while they are away.
Hidden
cameras are often set up in areas such as the living room, dining room and
nursery. These cameras are small enough that they are be placed in a teddy
bear, a clock, a mirror lamp, or many other hiding places. Typically, hidden
nanny cams will transmit their signal to a nearby digital recorder. Checking
the recorder in fast forward mode takes only a few minutes after the nanny
leaves. By having hidden cameras on opposite walls, parents can ensure that
they get a good view from either side whenever the nanny is holding a baby and
can make sure that the nanny isn't squeezing, pinching, or making mean faces.
A
full security system of nanny cams for the home can also act as a visible
deterrent for irresponsible or abusive behavior. Some rooms, such as the bathroom
and kitchen, may have visible cameras set up in a place where it is impossible
for the view to be obscured. The knowledge that a camera is there helps in
itself as a reminder to keep nannies (and sometimes kids!) from doing wrong.
Setting up visible cameras in accident prone areas can encourage people to be
safer, while providing a record so that the facts are known if an accident
should occur.
While it is legally necessary to tell a nanny when home surveillance is being used, people who live in any states other than Massachusetts and California do not have to provide a map of the cameras in the home. Through careful camera placement you can make sure that the caretaker you have hired doesn't get away with anything unseemly, and protect your children from harm.