Would you like to ask a highly sensitive question anonymously? We no longer have the Anonymous Post function in the group, but can help out in genuine situations.
Update on Anonymous Posting Within Our Community
To maintain a safe, transparent and supportive environment, we are implementing a trial change to the way anonymous posting functions within the North Shore Mums Facebook group.
In recent months, the volume of anonymous posts and comments has increased significantly, including on routine or non-sensitive topics. While the anonymous feature can be valuable in certain circumstances, its widespread overuse has reduced transparency within the community and created challenges for effective moderation. We have also observed instances of the feature being misused, which impacts the overall quality of the discussion.
As a result, we have decided to disable anonymous posts and comments within the group temporarily. This trial will enable us to evaluate whether the change enhances clarity, accountability, and the overall member experience.
We recognise that some members may still need privacy for highly sensitive matters. In these cases, individuals are welcome to contact the admin team directly with a request for “Admin, please post anonymously”, and we will publish the post on their behalf while protecting their identity.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure that our community remains respectful, supportive and transparent for all members.
How to post anonymously in the North Shore Mums Facebook group
- Go to the North Shore Mums Facebook group.
- In the 'write something' box, write the headline: ADMIN PLEASE POST ANONYMOUSLY. Then write your anonymous question and click 'post'.
- The message will then be submitted to the moderating team, who will decide whether it meets the criteria.
If it does, we will copy and paste your question and post it from the North Shore Mums profile.
Can I use a "nickname" instead?
No. Nicknames hide a member’s identity in the same way anonymous posts do, so they are not permitted for posting.
In rare, genuinely sensitive situations, if someone comments using a nickname and the context warrants privacy, the comment may be allowed at the admins’ discretion.
However, any nickname-based comments that are not justified will be removed, and members who repeatedly misuse nicknames may be muted for 7 days.
Why was my anonymous post declined?
We understand that some topics are sensitive and require privacy. However, with thousands of members in our community, we receive a large number of anonymous post requests and must be selective about which ones we approve.
We will only publish anonymous posts that involve genuinely sensitive issues. Posts about common, everyday parenting challenges (such as toilet training or sleep routines) will not be approved anonymously.
Additionally, we do not post medical questions that should be discussed with a GP or health professional. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to seek medical advice directly.
What posts will you approve?
- Early pregnancy questions, when you don't want friends to know you are pregnant
- Metal health concerns
- Domestic abuse
- Relationship struggles (friendship or marriage), separation & divorce.
- Financial difficulties
- Issues with your child that could be embarrassing or damaging to them if their identity were to become public.
- Situation at childcare or school where the parent wouldn’t want the school or the 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 your 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 day, ask for recommendations for a cleaner or meal delivery services. We will not approve something like this. 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. Instead of 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 xxx?".
- 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"... 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're 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 hearts.
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 highly sensitive posts - 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'll need to do these from your main personal profile.
Can I try again?
If you believe that you have a valid 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 that 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.