Nanny-cams are often hidden in objects like teddy bears
If anyone has seen the movie “The Nanny Diaries,” you may be familiar with the scene where Annie the nanny discovers the hidden nanny-cam in the eye of a teddy bear and decides to let off some steam in a kind of nanny-cam confessional, using the device as a tell-all to report everything that is wrong with the parents’ way of raising their son.
While the scene is humorous, it also brings up the more serious question of whether or not parents should be installing nanny-cams to monitor their babysitter’s interactions with their children. Is it necessary and is it legal?
According to LegalMatch, recording a video is legal but it is illegal in Pennsylvania to record someone’s voice without their knowledge and permission. So, if you’re thinking about using a nanny-cam, it would be wise to inform your nanny or babysitter that she may be occasionally monitored. However, a babysitter who finds out she has been secretly recorded may be offended, especially if she came to you with good references from previous families and has a clean background.
Although the thought of your every move being watched is probably unsettling to most babysitters, a nanny-cam may actually work to the babysitter’s advantage. If the parents see that the she is absolutely wonderful with their children, maybe they could consider giving her a pay raise.
If your current nanny or babysitter has given you no reason to distrust her then there’s probably no real need for a nanny-cam. Of course you want to make sure your children are in the best care, but you also want to maintain a sense of mutual trust between parent and babysitter.
If you’re a parent who has used a nanny-cam in the past, or a babysitter who discovered a nanny-cam in the house, please feel free to share your comments!
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