Lamka: Public Shaming Is Not Justice

THE recent incident involving two young girls of Pearsonmun, Lamka, who were allegedly caught stealing a small amount of money, has raised serious concerns about how communities handle minor offences. A philanthropic organisation is expected to uphold dignity and compassion, yet exposing the girls’ names, ages, and residence on social media was both irresponsible and harmful. No matter the allegation, public shaming is never the right path. These girls are clearly vulnerable, and broadcasting their identities puts them at greater risk, harming their future and worsening their emotional distress. A community must correct wrongdoing, but never at the cost of a child’s dignity.

The role of a respected organisation should be to counsel, guide, and uplift—not to humiliate. By posting identifiable details of these Pearsonmun girls, the organisation acted without considering legal and ethical responsibilities. Children accused of petty wrongdoing deserve protection, not exposure. Social media trials only deepen fear and stigma, creating long-term consequences that far outweigh the mistake committed. Instead of helping them correct their behaviour, such public exposure isolates them and fuels gossip. This approach also undermines the very purpose of social service groups, whose mission should focus on rehabilitation, awareness, and constructive solutions.

This incident should serve as a reminder that our society must move towards a more thoughtful and humane response to mistakes made by the young. Stealing a small amount of money is wrong, but so is shaming a child before the whole community. The correct response should involve counselling, parental engagement, and, if necessary, quiet disciplinary action handled with care. We must demand higher standards from organisations that claim to serve the people. True leadership means protecting the weak, guiding the misguided, and showing compassion even when correcting wrongdoing. Our community must learn from this incident and ensure that dignity and justice always come before exposure and humiliation.

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