Will take more than cameras to make creches safer, says expert

July 5, 2026 - 22:51

The alleged abuse of toddlers by nannies at a Bengaluru daycare has sent shockwaves through parents across India. Swati Popat Vats, president of the Early Childhood Association in India, says the incident has shattered trust in daycare centers. She warns that simply installing cameras is not enough to protect children.

Vats explains that while surveillance can help monitor activities, it cannot prevent abuse in blind spots or stop a caregiver's harmful intent. She stresses the need for proper caregiver training, background checks, and clear policies on discipline. Parents should also watch for red flags like high staff turnover, reluctance to share updates, or children showing sudden fear of going to daycare.

Vats advises parents to make unannounced visits and observe how staff interact with kids. She also calls for stronger government regulation of daycare centers, including mandatory training and certification for caregivers. Without these measures, she says, cameras alone create a false sense of security. The case has sparked a nationwide conversation about what it truly takes to keep young children safe while their parents are at work.