Internet Privacy for Nannies & Au Pairs

Nanny and Au Pair Internet Use Do’s and Don’ts:

We have been discussing issues of privacy for nannies and au pairs. Using the Internet at work can become an issue as privacy as well.

The use of computers commonly pervades every facet of life. Yet, nannies and au pairs may not always have computers available for their personal use at their jobs. Despite this inconvenience, in-home caregivers cannot be disappointed if their employers choose not to allow their employees access to home personal computers or business laptops.

Even when au pairs and nannies own personal computers, the homes where they work may not have available jacks or suitable routers to accommodate the employee’s computer. In addition, there may not be enough space or a safe spot to place more technology in the home.

Plus, parents may want au pairs and nannies to concentrate on their charges rather than surfing the net during work hours.

If the employer does grant access to a computer in the house, the caregiver and parent should establish guidelines previous to use. The extent of the usage, as to the amount of time, the hours of use, and if the parents can inspect the caregiver’s emails must be clearly drawn. The type of usage might need to be agreed on; such as emails are allowed but downloading new software is forbidden.

Although parents ought not to inspect their employee’s computers and read personal emails, if nannies and au pairs are using parents’ computers they ought to follow the family’s guidelines and keep all communication business appropriate.

There are no federal laws prohibiting employers from examining their own equipment, such as computers. Some state laws protect employees from allowing employers to read personal emails.

But, it’s best to be cautious. Before sending emails or visiting websites, nannies and au pairs should ask themselves if their boss would mind. They must ask themselves if they would mind having their employers see the content of the emails. Even when employers allow these practices, it’s best to use employer computers sparingly for personal business.

Nanny and Au Pair Internet Use Do’s and Don’ts:

1. Nannies and au pairs must never use the parent’s computer without prior approval.

2. Au pairs and nannies must never intrude on the parent’s email or share their password or address without permission.

3. Nannies and au pairs must never log onto porn sites, illegally download any material, or surf websites that leave cookies or spam.

4. Au pairs and nannies must never leave abusive blogs, reveal any information about the employer’s family on an online profile, or engage in chat rooms from the parent’s personal computer.

5. If using the home computer, in-home employees should select a separate user with a personal password, distinct from the employer.

6. An appropriate use of the parent’s computer is to search for children’s activities, crafts, and resources.

7. Nannies and au pairs should use their employer’s home computer in a public space in the house and must allow the employer to look at the computer and examine the history whenever the parent desires.

The Internet is commonly used as an inexpensive way for nannies and au pairs to keep in touch with friends and relatives. Most nannies and au pairs have use of the Internet at their jobs. But, the use of an employer’s personal computer for non job-related usage is a privilege, not a right. If that privilege is allowed, then nannies and au pairs bear the responsibility to use it an ethical and transparent way.

Have you had any issues using the Internet at your nanny job?