If you’re a member of our Facebook group and need support on a challenging issue happening in your life, you can now post anonymous questions directly to the Facebook group.
How do I post anonymously in the North Shore Mums Facebook group?
First, you need to be a member of the North Shore Mums Facebook group.
Simply go to post something, but choose the Anonymous post option.
Your name will be seen by the admin team, but will not be shared if it is approved.
You will be able to respond to comments and advice anonymously too.
Help! I don't seem to have the Anonymous post button
If the Anonymous post button doesn't appear for you...
- Try from a different device (computer, tablet or mobile)
- Ensure your Facebook app is up-to-date
- If it still doesn't work, contact Facebook Help to lodge the issue
We cannot post anonymous posts on your behalf.
If you post from your personal profile and say "please post anonymously" - it will be declined to protect your privacy. We cannot convert posts to anonymous.
Have you tried searching the Facebook group?
Most questions have already been asked before, many times! Before submitting an anonymous post, we suggest you use the ‘search’ function in the North Shore Mums Facebook group. From a desktop, click on the magnifying glass and type the keyword.
Why wasn’t my post approved?
- We will only approve posts that are highly sensitive - and it would be damaging or embarrassing to a person or company if they were publicly identified.
- We also do not approve anonymous posts for Business Hour or sharing Job Board roles. You must do these from your main personal profile.
What posts will you approve?
- Early pregnancy questions, when you don't want friends to know you are pregnant
- Domestic abuse
- Relationship struggles (friendship or marriage), separation & divorce.
- Financial issues
- Issues with your child that would be embarrassing or damaging to them if their identity was public.
- Child situation at childcare/school where parent wouldn’t want school or child to be identified
- Advice on dealing with medical issues (disease, mental health). Always consult your doctor.
- Advice on career change, when you don't want colleagues or employer to know you are looking elsewhere.
What posts will you NOT approve?
- Many times, people might write a long story about a personal situation... but at the end of the post, they might have a simple question that doesn't qualify as "anonymous".
- Example: A mum might be feeling overwhelmed or going through a tough time... but at the end of the, ask for recommendations for a cleaner or meal delivery services. We will not approve something like this. Simply remove the details about why you need the service, and post the question, e.g. "Can anyone recommend a cleaner?".
- Example: Something may have happened at your childcare centre, and you're not sure if the childcare centre has handled it correctly. Rather that submitting an anonymous post about the whole story, submit it from yourself without the backstory, e.g. "Does anyone know where I can find the latest guidelines about Covid?".
- Posts wanting suggestions for surprises or gift ideas for a friend's birthday or special anniversary. Rather than go into detail "I have a very special friend who is turning 40, and I want to surprise her with xxx"... just ask a more generic question like "Has anyone got suggestions for a fun thing to do with girlfriends" or "Can anyone suggest a fancy restaurant in the city for an anniversary dinner". If you REALLY don't want anyone to know you are even asking these questions, perhaps ask a close friend to post for you, e.g. "A friend wants to buy a special present for a 40th birthday, any ideas?"
- Common parenting questions that we all deal with (toilet training, child sleep issues, breastfeeding).
- Posts asking for financial advice or donations. Unfortunately, there are Scammers out there who are very clever at creating believable but sad stories, and conning people into donating money or items. Sometimes they may not even expressly ask for things, but their stories are so convincing, that members offer or send them PMs, out of the goodness of their heart.
Can I try again?
If you believe that you have good reason for your post to be anonymous, please edit your post to include some context and reason as to why you can't be identified. Then re-submit the new post.
Support Services
If you require counselling or other medical or health services, there are lots of local businesses listed in the North Shore Mums Directory who may be able to assist.
We also have a list of free hotline support lines who can provide help. Click here to see the list.
If you are in an abusive relationship and want help to leave, read this practical, no nonsense, step-by-step guide.