What Parents Need to Know Before Installing a Nanny Cam

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By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Jul 12, 07:27 am

Nanny cameras or nanny cams provide an extra layer of assurance for parents who want to be able to monitor their children even if they are at work or out on errands. For any parent, a nanny cam is an essential tool but it could also open doors to potential conflicts in the household, especially if it's used for spying.

About 41 percent of Americans said in a survey that they would record their children's nanny with their consent but at least 21 percent think this is an invasion of privacy, whether they inform the nanny or not about the camera's presence. Still, 79 percent of the parents said that they would consider installing a nanny cam if will bring peace of mind.

Before installing a nanny cam, however, here's what parents need to know:

1. Familiarize the stipulations about video recording in your state laws.

A nanny cam works like any surveillance camera, which is basically covered by state laws on home security equipment installation and recording. The laws vary from state to state so it's better to be aware of what applies in your area to protect your legal rights.

Some states may require explicit consent from the nanny if she will be recorded in videos and audio. According to lawyer William G. Kolodner, the penalties for recording without consent may amount to a $10,000 fine and a five-year jail time in Maryland. Other states may have more stringent penalties.

The parent could also be liable for either a criminal or civil lawsuit if they kept the nanny cam a secret, which could cause more trouble than it's worth. Thus, before setting up the camera, seriously consider opening the conversation with the nanny and carefully explain why you need the camera for your peace of mind.

2. Consider the right placement.

It goes without saying that you should not place the nanny cam in rooms and areas that will intrude on other people's privacy. When you install the camera in the nursery or the children's play area, make sure that there are no obstructions to view as well.

Some cameras are designed to pan to the right or left or zoom in on an object, while other cameras just stay in one position. Thus, you need to consider what you want from the gadget and then plan its placement before buying one.

If you're planning to get a two-way talk camera, consider the size of the room as well. If it's in an open area like the living room, the gadget might not be loud enough for both parties to hear each other. CNET recommends a couple of convenient and recent two-way talk cameras to help build trust and boundaries with the children's caretakers.

3. Be aware of the camera's security features.

Because nanny cams are connected to the internet, they may also be vulnerable to security hacks. Before installing one, make sure that you have a secure internet connection and that you're also familiar with keeping the lines clean and safe from potential hacking.

Consumer Reports cited some ways to protect your family against security camera breaches. This includes regular firmware upgrades, changing the password, and setting up a password manager, as well as activating a two-factor authentication system.

If you're not familiar with these features, read up on the basics first and focus on the camera model that you intend to have at home.