What is a Nanny Cam?
The term Nanny Camera refers to small hidden security cameras that are hidden or disguised as typical household objects. Many parents utilize nanny cams to monitor the behavior of babysitters and nannies to make sure that their children are not being ignored or even abused.
The most useful and easiest to install Nanny Cameras are either wireless cameras that transmit video back to a digital recorder that is located away from the camera or the all in one style cameras with built in digital recorders.
Is it Legal to Install a Nanny Camera in My Home?
As long as you are only recording video, it is perfectly legal to install a nanny-camera in your home in any room where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy. It does not matter if the camera is hidden or if the nanny is aware of the camera, as long as the camera is not installed in a bathroom or other location such as in the bedroom of a live in nanny.
If you wish to record audio as well as video, realize that it is illegal in many States to record audio conversations to which you are not a direct participant. In other words, it is perfectly legal for you to record an audio conversation between you and your nanny even if she does not know anything about the recording, but it is illegal to record a conversation between your nanny and her boyfriend if neither of them is aware of the recording.
Should I Tell my Nanny that I have a Security Camera Installed?
As a nanny is working out of your home, work place privacy laws do not apply and there are currently no laws about video taping someone in your home without their knowledge, but many people will choose to inform their nannies that they have installed cameras during the interview process. Many reputable child care providers are not opposed to video taping their interaction with your children as long as they know about it. It is possible that some will feel a lack of trust if you record them without prior knowledge.
If your nanny has objections to the cameras, you should explain that the nanny cameras are also installed for her protection. Well placed nanny cameras will provide a record of the nannies interactions with your children and give you piece of mind that they are receiving proper care. Some of the higher end nanny cameras will even let you check in and see your children while you are away.
It is entirely your decision whether you tell your nanny about the cameras or not. You may lose some excellent candidates by telling them about your nanny-cams, but remember that your children's welfare is at stake. The peace of mind and confidence that a nanny camera; hidden or not can provide you, is priceless.
How Do Wireless Nanny Cameras Work?
Most modern, consumer grade wireless video systems will fall into one of the following frequencies; 900 MHz, 2.4 GHZ or 5.8 GHz. Almost all of the affordable consumer grade wireless cameras on the market fall into the 2.4 GHz range.
You have a choice between 2 different types of wireless nanny cameras. There are the low power analog wireless camera systems that utilize one of 4 fixed frequencies, or there are the higher end Digital IP Wireless Nanny Cameras that utilize your 2.4 GHZ or 5.8 GHz wireless home network for video transmission and digital video recording.
Oct-07-2009 08:12 AM
Home security systems have become much more available to the average consumer thanks to advances in digital technology. The result of this technology has been an explosion of demand for items such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems. And these home security kits are being used not only in homes and businesses, but in apartments and condos as well.