Nanny Cams: Precaution or Invasion of Privacy?

The controversial security measure, the nanny cam, has long been the topic of many discussions. In this article we will see both sides to this issue and the contentions that it brings. These devices are in hundreds of thousands of homes across the globe but why is there such a big deal about them. To many people it is a cut and dry situation and basically is boiled down to personal choice and preference as to the types of security measures they want in their homes. But this battle between the idea of right or wrong is brewing heavily and more and more babysitters are speaking out about it.

Nanny Cams: Babysitters Point of View

So, just how do teens and professional babysitters feel about being filmed when they are working? Well, surprisingly most sitters do not even know when the parents decide to install a nanny cam, so I asked the basic 'hypothetical' question of "if" your employer chose to tape you via a nanny cam would you be understanding and tolerant to their choice or would you feel as though your privacy had been invaded?

"Personally I think that there should be a warning first, like a disclosure or something. I don't think that I should be filmed... I mean if the parents don't trust me why am I working for them?"

In light of this response I had no choice but to ask what would happen if she found out that she had been taped... would she be returning to the house and remain as the primary sitter?

"I don't know if they would really want me to. I mean, a lot of us like to try on clothes or jewelry and invite our boyfriends over when the kids are in bed to have some alone time. I don't know how they would react to that... but, if they wanted me to still work for them then yeah... I'd stay but I would tell them that I feel violated and ask that they not film me any more. I have privacy rights just like anyone else."

This babysitter happened to be 18. She further discussed that most parents don't know what goes on and believes that it is much better that way... other wise "no parent would ever leave the house." When asked if, in general, they (nannies) consider that this type of behavior was okay or justified this nanny told me: "What behavior? I don't really think that it's anybody's business what happens as long as their kids are okay when they return. It is just like working at an office... would people like a camera watching every single move they make... of course not. It's the same thing."

Nanny Cams: Parents Point of View

Being a parent we have a lot of worries and the good ones tend to take every precaution to ensure the safety of their children at any cost. So, as you can imagine this was a hot item to buy when they first came out several years ago and still remain a favorite purchase to this very day. As for the 'disclosure' that was mentioned by the nanny, I decided to ask a couple what they thought about this issue and brought up the possibility of a posted disclaimer that states if the premises is equipped with any type of surveillance products.

"I don't think so. If a nanny requires that kind of peace of mind then there's a red flag. Our reason for buying a nanny cam, and yes we do have one, is to find out who is trustworthy. What may not be a big deal to one family might be a big deal to us. Also, there is no 'invasion of privacy'... it's our home."

At this point I was rather curious and asked about some behaviors that may be questionable. Such as: Would you be offended if a nanny was caught trying on your clothes or jewelry or even making out with someone in their home?

"Yeah, I would say that offended was a good word to describe how I would feel at the time. A nanny's job is to watch over the children, not to let strangers that I don't know into my house or to go through my things. That is an invasion of privacy."

So, what types of things went on that they caught on tape? You'd be amazed!

"We caught one stealing from us. A couple of different babysitters we had, had sex on our couch and bed. Let's see, another one who was a professional and was 25 years old actually hit our child and a young girl that was 16 had gotten into our alcohol cabinet in a room she shouldn't have even been in. Our nanny cam is a wonderful tool and we would never get rid of it. We have had it for 10 years now."

Nanny Cams: Which side Do You Fall On?

Well, now that you have heard both sides to this argument which side do you fall on? I am sure that there are countless reasons as why a nanny would not want to be caught on a nanny cam and I am sure that there are just as many reasons why parents would want them. But, the question is: do you think that they are more of an invasion of privacy or a precautionary tool.