Disturbing videos of caregivers abusing children have been displayed on various programs such as “60 Minutes,” “Dateline” and evening news programs across the country. As a result, the use of “nanny cams” has become as standard as electric garage door openers. Parents want to feel they are protecting their children, their homes and their lives at all times, and the use of electronic monitoring devices such as nanny cams offers that extra peace of mind.
But this “spying” has lead to a heated debate about the subject. While people want to have some piece of mind, it should start with a more thorough background check. Resources such as credit agencies, police departments and court records are available for little or no charge when used for verifying employment. It should be no different than hiring someone to work at a local business, a background check is almost always performed.
Even though it is legal in all 50 states to video record someone without there knowledge, is it still a better practice to inform all workers that there is Surveillance Equipment in use around the home or not? The question then becomes, “If a parent informs the caregiver that her actions are being recorded and will be viewed later, will the caregiver alter his or her behavior, allowing the parents to believe they have made a sound hiring decision?” So in a way telling a babysitter you are recording their actions and behaviors is like telling them the answers to the test before you give them the exam. We want to see what they really act like when they don’t know they need to behave their best.
The use of electronic recording devices has offered parents the peace of mind to know their children and things are safe. Ultimately the decision to use the recording device is up to each individual, the bottom line is you want to protect all the things that are important to you and your family. And if it’s in your home or in your place of business, you have every right to do it. Just remember you can record video, just be careful, there are 15 states that have laws against recording someones voice with out their knowledge.
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