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Home > The pros and cons of implementing nanny cams to spy on your nanny
May 02, 2009
By: Lynn Bryant
Parents are increasingly relying on video surveillance
technology to provide added peace of mind and protection for
their families. Advancements in the technology itself have
helped to make it a more viable and secure alternative for
many families. This certainly holds true for one emerging
home surveillance trend, the implementation of nanny cams.
Many parents think of these cameras as the perfect
solution that provides the peace of mind they need to know
their family is being well cared for. There are however
differing opinions on this trend. Some experts feel parents
may be overlooking some key aspects of childcare by relying
too heavily on these mini spy devices. Throughout the
remainder of this article, we will explore some of the pros
and cons associated with this technology.
Pros of utilizing nanny cam systems
The following are some of the many positive benefits
parents can experience as a direct result of implementing
nanny cam systems within their home.
- Added protection for their children -- Many
parents that have actually caught abuse on hidden
surveillance cameras feel they owe the fact they were
able to uncover the abuse to the technology they put in
place. There are numerous documented accounts of parents
that had a suspicion that something was not right, and
subsequently installed hidden nanny cams to prove their
theory. Few would dispute that there are cases where
hidden surveillance cameras were successfully used to
catch and prove abusive and criminal behavior against
children.
- Additional peace of mind -- For many parents
the main benefit they receive from their nanny cams is
added peace of mind. They feel the technology gives them
the added sense of peace that comes with knowing their
children are happy and being well cared for.
- Personal connection to their children throughout
the day -- Remote accessibility to surveillance
video through IP-based systems gives parents the added
benefit of being able to check in on their children
periodically throughout the day. Being able to see the
activities their children are participating in as well
as being able to see first hand how they are feeling and
interacting gives them a greater sense of connection to
their children.
- Additional level of home security -- Many
parents that have installed hidden nanny cams have
reported that they have been beneficial not only for
monitoring their children's caregivers, but also for
monitoring cleaning crews and repair workers. Added
features like motion detection and automated alert
functionality can further enhance the security benefits
of any nanny cam system.
- Added sense of control -- Parents that
utilize nanny cams have reported that they experience a
greater sense of control over their child's well-being.
Gill Neuman, the CEO of Kent Security Systems, reports,
"When you leave your kids or property with someone else
or in someone else's care, you lose control. But by
keeping certain electronic devices to monitor your home
or children, you can stay in control." It can be a
helpless feeling having to simply trust a caregiver's
word that they have your child's best interests at
heart. Being able to access live video of their children
often provides parents with much needed concrete
reinforcement.
- Protection against wrongful accusations --
Most of the benefits cited above are benefits that are
experienced solely by the parents. Having nanny cams in
place can also benefit the child's caregiver as well.
There are instances where a parent's suspicions and
accusations are completely unfounded. Without the
evidence that can often be provided by hidden
surveillance video, there are cases where nannies are
wrongfully accused. Having video documenting their
activity can be an added level of protection to the
caregiver by providing evidence against inappropriate
charges.
Cons of utilizing nanny cam systems
While there are distinct benefits that can come from
implementing nanny cams, some pitfalls do exist that deserve
further consideration.
- Potential for legal action -- Whenever you
install a covert surveillance system, you need to be
careful to follow the laws that govern their use within
your state. Improper use and careless installations
greatly increase your risk for potential legal action
against you. Without a proper plan in place, you could
find yourself facing stiff penalties.
- May provide a false sense of security -- Some
experts fear that installing nanny cams may give parents
a false sense of security. Cameras are not fool proof,
and may not catch every act of violence. If caregivers
are aware of the existence of hidden cameras, and figure
out their locations, they can conceivably find ways to
avoid their reach. It is important to remember that
nanny cams are not a license for you to let your guard
down. You should always be cautious and vigilant when it
comes to protecting your children.
- Danger of becoming more lax in the screening
process -- Implementing nanny cams does not protect
against all dangers. It is important to remember that
your first and best line of defense is to properly and
thoroughly screen all childcare applicants. Experts fear
many parents will become more lax in the screening and
hiring process because they feel they can fall back on
their nanny cams to pick up any improprieties. This
should not be the mindset. Care should be taken
throughout the entire process whether or not you have
nanny cams in place.
Deciding on whether or not to implement and use a hidden
surveillance system in your home is a very personal
decision. As you have seen, there are both pros and cons
that should be considered before using this technology. Only
you can decide what the best approach is for you and your
family.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
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