This blog goes out to parents who are thinking about installing security cameras but don’t know if they should, and children, who are wondering whether or not that’s legal. Although our answer will disappoint many teenagers, the answer is yes. However, there are also cases where it is not…
So, parents, should you or should you not install a security camera in your child’s bedroom?

A Security Camera in Your Child’s Bedroom

When is it illegal for your parents to install a security camera in your bedroom?

Let’s start with mentioning the following: Any person who is under the age of 18 (aka minors) can’t enjoy privacy laws. Therefore, this gives the parents right to install security cameras in their children’s bedroom. Now, if you carefully read what I said, you should note that I mentioned no other location than bedrooms. Meaning to say, bathrooms, changing rooms and so on should not have any cameras installed.

Other than security cameras, parents also have the right to install baby monitors and nanny cams too.

However, it is not the same for audio recording. The rules regarding audio recording are much stricter especially when it is without consent.

However, as we mentioned above, there are some cases which makes it illegal for parents to install security cameras.

It is illegal for parents to install security cameras when:

  • The children are no longer considered minors i.e., less than 18. It is considered illegal for parents to install hidden security cameras for the sake of spying on their young adults. This is when a person starts enjoying their privacy laws, and a camera would simply invade their privacy.
  • As mentioned above, it is illegal for parents to install security cameras in places like toilets, dressing rooms, bathrooms, etc. Therefore, it also makes it illegal to photograph you children in these locations, especially if the aim is to use it for pornographic reasons.
Security camera watching a child

Note that there are some states that do not allow security cameras in private places too. Of course, your baby won’t get up and complain about it, however, your nanny might! It is always better to do your research well before getting into it. Now that this is out of the way, we can start explaining why you might need to install a security camera in your child’s bedroom.

The main (normal) reason why parents want to install cameras is for protection. For teenagers, it might look like their parents are just spying on them. However, parents do anything to protect their children. Starting from physical threats to mental ones, there are many reasons why parents might want to install a camera in their bedroom.

Now we are about to say something that most teenagers won’t like, however, most of the time parents think about installing security cameras because of the child’s actions.

Other reasons why cameras are placed inside the children’s bedrooms might be because of disabilities, whether it is physical or mental.

A reminder for the parents:

make sure you talk and explain to your children why you are making this decision. Help them understand that you, although respecting their privacy, also care about their wellbeing. However, keep in mind that hackers can get into security cameras. Make sure you take every precaution to protect your children from the outside world.

A reminder for the children:

Although you might feel like your world is falling apart and life is so unfair right now, keep in your mind that your parents always want the best for you. Make sure to sit down with your parents and let them know your concerns.

Do you still care to know more about security cameras? Visit Praetector and stay praetected!