Printing Australia

Nowadays, many parents are considering using hidden in-home surveillance devices to watch how their child's caregiver works in their absence. The Counter Spy Shops, an international retail chain, reports a 25% increase just over a span of past five years in the sales of these spy camcorders-often called as "nanny cams." Hidden cameras or nanny cams are increasingly gaining popularity because of their proven effectiveness in identifying abusive nannies. With a nanny cam in place, parents know for sure how their children are actually being taken care of. These hidden cameras have helped many people catch abusive nannies who otherwise left unmonitored, would have continued to abuse or neglect the children.

Some of the most obvious advantages are "being in command" of the situation at home. The situation gets only better as now with advanced technology, a parent can keep a constant watch on the care taker when in the office or at work, through his computer viewing a live transmission or even on his cell phone when mobile. The device is also frequently used while your home is being cleaned or for occasional in-home sitter services, or for other security reasons. They are especially helpful in case of threat from burglars; kidnappers, fire or anybody up to some mischief while the Nanny is off guard.

However, since the keeping of a nanny and trusting the child to her care is not merely a technical dealing but is based on mutual trust, love and respect, many people find the use of nanny cams as an act of deception, invasion of privacy and a waste of money. Also nanny cams pose a greater threat to home security particularly, if the agency is using camcorders, since the house lay out then, is open to public scrutiny. Over 30 different styles of pre-hidden nanny cameras are available in the market and one can choose according to the specific needs of taping time, budget and placing requirements.

If the prospect of video taping the nanny conflicts with your sense of ethics, ask up front in the interview process if the prospective candidate would mind being monitored. It is important to note that federal law prohibits the recording of audio so your nanny cam will not be equipped to record sound. Caregiver surveillance is more common nowadays so the question is not all that out of the blue. In fact, a lot of daycare centers offer internet video streaming so parents can check in on their child from time to time.

While media stories have primarily focused on potential abuse and neglect being reasons why parents should consider using a nanny cam, some sitters have indicated a camera can provide a positive connection with the families while at work. Also, more and more daycare centers are installing cameras and even provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Also spy videotaping with voice is not legal everywhere and the legal implications before installing any nanny cam must be considered.