Modern technological advances have opened up all sorts of possibilities for parents. Hidden cameras, sometimes referred to as “spy cams,” are a tool that many parents use to monitor their homes. These cameras, which can sometimes be no larger than an ink pen, can be used to check on a babysitter. There are various types of these cameras, with a great variety of price ranges. Some of them are digital, some will record only video but not audio, and others act as more full-blown security systems. The downside to these cameras is that you have to have one in every room to be certain you are catching all of the activity. However, as technology advances these devices have become more and more inexpensive, easier to use, and less trouble to set up. In general, the use of cameras to record people is considered legal.

As of 2006, thirteen states have laws that make it illegal to tape someone unless they know that they are being taped. So, if you wish to record your babysitter in one of these states, it is best to notify them that you will be recording them, and then to ask them to sign a paper that acknowledges the fact that you may be recording. In addition, there are privacy laws that cover areas in which one expects privacy, such as dressing rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, and bedrooms. If you are going to tape record your babysitter, you should probably not place a camera in the bathroom. The bedrooms might be fine, if there is no expectation that she would be actually using the bedroom except for the purposes of actually babysitting the children.

Before setting up a home camera system to tape your babysitter, you should check state and local laws. When in doubt, it is best to get the babysitter’s written consent to being taped. This action alone may be enough to discourage inappropriate behavior.

Abuse or neglect of a child by a babysitter is a troubling problem. A less significant but more common problem with babysitters is when they don’t follow the rules. Hidden cameras, when used in a legal manner, can be an important part of helping to solve these issues.

Posted in Child Care Issues

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