Before buying and installing a nanny camera, there are certain considerations you have to keep in mind. This gadget can record footage quite easily and very often, surreptitiously – that is, without the other party knowing that they are being recorded. Although it’s meant to ensure the safety of young children under the supervision of a nanny, nanny cams by nature are spy cams in that they are meant to monitor activities without someone’s prior knowledge. Unfortunately, this can backfire and cause you legal trouble. Avoid this situation by using these tips:
Make the nanny camera easily seen
This step may seem to contradict the very purpose of this device but it’s one of the ways you can keep the use of a nanny cam legal. If it’s visible, it can easily be noticed by the person who will be supervising or taking care of your child and they will be aware that they are being monitored.
Keeping the nanny camera visible will be of great help in deterring any acts of abuse that could occur when the nanny is around. If the nanny you happened to hire is abusive or inattentive, they will be encouraged to be at their best behavior at all times.
Install in public areas
Another method to avoid a situation where the use of a nanny cam can backfire is to use this gadget only in areas of the house or building that is accessible by most people. These include the kitchen, the living room area, garage, porch and family den. A hidden camera in these areas will be legal to use and will be least likely to record private moments.
Never, ever install a nanny cam in the closet, the toilet, the bathroom or even in the nanny’s bedroom. These are private areas and must remain so.
Inform the nanny about the camera
You could also avoid an unpleasant situation by informing the nanny beforehand that you have hidden cameras installed. If the nanny you are about to hire has had prior experience on the job, there’s a good chance they have encountered parents that used nanny cams before.
In various cases, the nanny will probably not mind that there’s a nanny cam installed, as long as they know where it is. The important thing is that you are doing the right thing by informing them and that they have the choice whether to accept the job or not.
Turn off the audio
Depending on your location, it might be considered against the law to record audio. There are 15 states where recording without express consent is illegal, 12 states that require consent from all parties involved and 37 states where the consent of one party is acceptable. Always check your state laws for these restrictions when using a nanny cam so as to avoid a major backfire.