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Would You Use a Nanny Cam?
You’re a working
mum with two children and have hired a nanny to help
out. Just three weeks into the 12 month contract you
notice that your toddler is shying away from the nanny
and cries desperately for you when you leave for work.
“No mommy, don’t go!”
is the morning cry in your ears as you head out the
door.
After a week of this non-cooperative
behaviour you suspect that something might have occurred
between the nanny and your child. Your sixth sense tells
you that the situation does not feel right, so you purchase
a nanny cam to help you investigate matters further.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?
One reason why host parents purchase a nanny cam is
if they suspect the nanny is negligent in maintaining
her duties. However the main reason is if they suspect
abuse to be occurring.
The US government has allowed the use
of nanny cams so all states of the US have made it legal
to own and operate nanny cams. Although there are no
restrictions on what is viewed from the cameras there
are 15 US states that have made it illegal to record
speech.
Hidden cameras have helped catch abusive
nannies that would have otherwise continued to abuse
or neglect children of the host family.
It is also notable that day care centers
are installing cameras to provide parents with the ability
to spot check their children from their work place over
the internet or from their cell phone.
The use of the nanny cam isn’t
limited only to spying on the activities of your nanny.
Other uses of the nanny cam are as general home security
cameras while away on holidays or business. They are
also commonly used for the days that the cleaners and
pest control arrive to ensure that their work is carried
out correctly.
Installing a nanny cam may cause mistrust
if it is discovered, and your nanny may feel a sense
of deception and mistrust. If this situation occurs
then you need to be able to explain why the nanny cam
was installed. This could lead to undue tension, whereas
approaching the situation directly could be more beneficial
to promoting trust and open communication.
HOW DOES A NANNY CAM WORK?
The nanny cam is able to record video on your VCR, TV,
PC or onto digital video recorders. Nanny cams are usually
“motion activated” to record only when people
or objects are within view.
Some nanny cam systems can record from
multiple locations, with some systems handling up to
three cameras. The cameras that connect to your PC usually
use a USB port, and the camera itself is driven by software
that detects when motion is happening.
Some nanny cams are able to email you
pictures or even send them to your cell phone. With
these applications you have the flexibility to respond
quickly if required, or just perform the occasional
check up on your house or children while you’re
away.
WHAT RANGE IS AVAILABLE?
There is a wide range of nanny cams available on the
market. Most are wireless and can be hidden, for example,
in plants, stuffed toys or in clock radios. Prices vary
from $100 to $500, depending on the features and abilities
desired in the camera.
WOULD YOU USE A NANNY CAM?
Since a nanny cam is considered inexpensive for the
information that it can provide, you will need to consider
addressing issues directly with your nanny against the
possibility of confrontation with her at a later date.
If you are unable to convince yourself
that your children are receiving the proper treatment,
then a nanny cam may be just what you’re looking
for.
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