A couple living in Pimpama, near the Gold Coast, have been left stunned after receiving a typed note from their new neighbour complaining that their young children are making her life a 'living hell'. The note, which was left at their door, asked why the children 'scream so insanely every day'.
The note in question
'Your wonderful children scream and squeal too loudly all the time,' the note began. 'We wake up and fall asleep to their frantic screams, and it's becoming unbearable. Please! Could you teach the children to be a little bit quieter?'
The neighbour explained that two men living in the house work shifts and require peace and quiet to rest. The note described the current situation as 'daily hell' and pleaded for consideration.
Social media reaction
The woman who received the note shared a photo of it on Facebook, asking for opinions. 'I just want to know everyone's view on this nasty letter I received at my door from a neighbour who has moved here less than three weeks ago… surely this cannot be real,' she wrote.
The post garnered over 100 comments, dividing Australians. Some defended the children's right to play, with one commenter stating, 'I wouldn't like it if my neighbours' kids or dogs were annoying but that's life. Kids play and dogs bark. So, get over it.' Another said, 'I would now be encouraging my kids to play outside along their fence line from 6am to 10pm, making as much noise as possible.' A third added, 'I'd make my kids scream louder. The cheek. Turn yourself down, lady.'
However, others sided with the neighbour. 'It doesn't come across as nasty to me. A polite note advising you that they are shift workers, and asking for a little consideration,' one person commented. Another wrote, 'Maybe your kids are super loud and you just can't admit it.' A third agreed, saying, 'Screaming kids is the worst noise if you're working shift work, knackered and trying to sleep. Yeah, she could have written it more politely, but you don't need to be offended, just be conscious of how loud they are because obviously it's driving the neighbours crazy.'
Legal perspective
Under Queensland council noise regulations, unreasonable and excessive noise that disturbs neighbours is generally prohibited, particularly during designated quiet hours from 10pm to 7am. Unlike power tools or air conditioners, which have restricted operating hours, children's play is not specifically regulated. Councils may issue warnings or fines for persistent nuisance noise, but enforcement can be challenging.
