A recent post on the Kiama & Neighbouring Districts Community Page has sparked debate after it included photos and alleged names of boys said to be behaving aggressively around the Kiama Downs IGA and a nearby gym.

The anonymous poster accused the boys of swearing, throwing objects, and damaging public property – including a bathroom used by gym patrons and people who use mobility aids.

The post included photos and named several young people, calling for their parents to intervene.

While the allegations are serious, the way they were aired has prompted wider concerns.

Police say: don’t post, report

NSW Police has confirmed that no incidents at Kiama Downs IGA have been reported to them.

A NSW Police spokesperson told The Bugle: “NSW Police encourages members of the public not to post crimes on social media, but to report matters of concern to NSW Police.

"Reporting crimes online may identify victims of crime or addresses, which can have significant privacy or safety implications.

"The sharing of information and/or CCTV/images can also potentially compromise ongoing police investigations or negatively impact court proceedings.

"The posting of vision of crimes online can now be subject to prosecution under NSW Government ‘post-and-boast’ legislation.”

Instead, police say information should be provided directly via the Police Assistance Line (131 444), Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000), or a local police station.

While taking photos in a public place is generally legal, publishing those images online – especially when the subject is a minor – is fraught with risk. 

Defamation, breaches of privacy, and interference with due process are just some of the concerns raised by legal experts.

In this case, the Facebook post remained online for several days before it was finally taken down. During that time, it was widely viewed, despite at least one parent asking for it to be removed.

What may feel like community accountability can easily veer into harmful territory.

Posts like this may inadvertently cause long-term damage to young people, especially if names and faces are shared before any proper investigation has taken place.

As one local community member put it, “Why not take the footage and concerns straight to the police, rather than the court of public opinion?”