Parents banning babysitters from social media amid fears they are too easily distracted by Facebook
Demand for older babysitters is rising as parents look for less phone-addicted carers
BABYSITTERS are being ordered to put their smartphones down as parents ban social media amid fears they are too easily distracted from their childcare duties.
Some parents are specifically searching for older nannies because they're less likely to be glued to their screens on social media while working and can focus on the little ones.
Babysitters are now being asked to sign contracts that limit their phone usage, reported last night.
Kate Baker, co-founder of childcare agency Abeville Nannies in south London, told the newspaper that in just the last three months around 20 parents had asked about having a clause about mobile phone use in contracts.
She said: "(Parents are) saying, 'we don't want you to be texting your friends or being constantly on your phone while looking after the kids in the playground'."
The company is now considering adding in a clause about smartphones in its standard contract.
It states that "unauthorised use during working hours may result in a disciplinary warning or dismissal."
Abeville helps parents find nannies, but does not directly employ them.
Another childcare agency, Kensington Nannies, has already adopted a smartphones clause in its contracts.
Employeesagree to use only a workplace mobile and are't permitted to use a personal device while babysitting.
And the social media ban is extended to children, as parents instruct the babysitters about about muchh screen time their children are allowed.
But Ms Baker, who has spent 17 years in the childcare business, added that parents should be cautious about making too many demands.
She said: "You are trusting the nanny with your most treasured possessions: your children.
"Do you want that nanny to think that you don't trust them?"
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