While the DSA has not yet been formally incorporated into Norwegian law, the Norwegian Safer Internet Centre offers training for stakeholders on existing rights, emphasising the role of reporting platforms and dispelling common misconceptions about what happens after a report is submitted.

Here are some examples of resources created for different stakeholders:

a. Children and young people

The SIC has created articles for young people aged 13–15 and their parents, grounded in existing legislation and featuring links to Norwegian resources and support services. These articles have been very well received by the target audience.

The Norwegian SIC has produced articles on protecting children from harmful content.

Additionally, videos were produced with popular influencers who addressed questions from the target group about what types of content violate the law and should be reported. The videos also include tutorials on how to report content across different platforms. Although they are only available in Norwegian, they have proven to be an effective resource.

b. Parents and caregivers

The SIC has produced an article for parents highlighting the challenges children and young people may face on social media, such as harmful content involving nudity and violence. The Norwegian Media Authority stresses the importance of children understanding that laws also apply online. Parents are encouraged to maintain an open dialogue with their children about their digital experiences and to support them in reporting inappropriate content without fear of punishment.

c. Research

In the Norwegian Media Authority’s survey, ‘Robust, resigned or numb?’, many young people report that parents react too strongly when they talk about harmful content online. This can make them reluctant to share uncomfortable experiences at home. Young people also reported fearing that they might lose access to digital platforms or have their phones confiscated if they speak up..

Focus on young people: example of guidance material from the SIC

Specific guidance has been created for young people, explaining what happens when you report someone on social media. Here is an example of such resources:

“ Have you received images or videos that you wish you hadn’t seen?  

We explain how to report harmful content and why it’s important to do so.

Have you received violent videos on Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord? Or a nude image in a direct message (DM) or a Snapchat group without asking for it?

The Norwegian Penal Code states that this is illegal. That’s why it’s important to report it when it happens.

When you report a photo, video, message, or profile on a social media platform, the person you report will not know it was you.

The platform will review the report and check whether the content or behaviour violates their guidelines.

If it does, the person may receive a warning, temporary restrictions, or a ban, depending on the severity.

Inform the police’s online unit about illegal content  

If you receive illegal content, such as nude images or violent videos, it is important to act:

• Report the sender to the platform and block them: Take a screenshot if possible and keep the image/video/message if it can be used as evidence. If not, delete the content from your phone.  
• Inform the police: The police have a dedicated online unit that is there to provide advice and help. You can contact them through their social media channels. See where you can contact the online unit here.

Make a difference by speaking out  

Does speaking out sometimes feel pointless? You're not alone in thinking that. But it can make an important difference. Platforms are dependent on receiving reports so they can remove harmful content and block profiles that share it. If you only block the sender without reporting them, the content may continue to be spread to others. By speaking out, you help make social media safer, not just for yourself, but for everyone else as well.

What does the law say?

Nude images

It is illegal to send sexualised images to anyone under the age of 16 or to someone who has not consented to this.  

As a general rule, it is a punishable offence to TAKE, POSSESS, or SHARE nude images or videos of someone under the age of 18.  

In exceptional cases, criminal charges may be dropped if a person is in possession of a nude image of someone who consents to them having it (e.g. a boyfriend or girlfriend), as long as they are close in age and development, and the person depicted is between 16 and 18 years of age. Regardless of this, it is prohibited to send the image to others.  

Even if the person in the image is over 18, it is illegal to share a nude image without their consent.  Violating these rules can result in a fine or imprisonment.

Violent videos

It is illegal to share offensive images, videos or audio recordings, such as videos of someone being subjected to violence or humiliation. Sharing such videos may be punishable by law. Violating these rules can result in a fine or imprisonment.

Do you need someone to talk to?  

Kors på halsen is the Red Cross’s counselling service for children under the age of 18. Here, you can talk about anything, completely anonymously, with trusted adults.

You can choose whether you want to contact them via the chat function, phone or email. The service is free and available every day of the year.

See more at korspåhalsen.no."

Focus on parents and caregivers: example of guidance material from the SIC

Specific guidance has been created for parents, explaining how to help young people reporting content on social media. Here is an example of such resources:

"Harmful and illegal content on social media: what children encounter and how to talk to them

Your child has probably been sent images or videos they wish they hadn’t seen. Images depicting nudity, harassment and violence can suddenly appear in their feed. It is crucial for children and young people to understand that the laws governing society also apply online.
Surveys by the Norwegian Media Authority show that many young people have become accustomed to seeing harmful and illegal content on social media.

Have an open dialogue with your children
Try to have an open and positive dialogue with your children about what they might encounter online and on social media, and how it can best be handled. The goal is for children to feel comfortable speaking out if they experience something unpleasant or do something foolish, without any repercussions, such as having their phone confiscated or losing access to social media.
Parents need to encourage their children to report inappropriate content online. This can foster greater openness and reduce the fear of ‘punishment’ such as losing access to their phone or an app.

Listen to your child’s experience without moralising/scolding:

• Can you tell me about what you saw…
• How did you feel about seeing that…  
• Can you show me…  

Acknowledge the feelings being expressed, and try to stay calm yourself:

• I understand that you were scared when you saw this.
• I understand that it was uncomfortable…  

Praise them for having the courage to speak up:

• It’s good that you told me about this, now we can figure out together what we can do.
• You’re brave for telling me this.

Involve your child in the decision about what to do next: 

• What I think we should do now is… What do you think about that?
• What you saw is not okay, and I think we should… What do you think?  

How to report it
If your child receives illegal content, such as nude images or violent videos, it is important to act. By showing that you take young people’s digital challenges seriously and handle them in a safe and understanding way, you help make the internet a safer place, for your child and for others.

1. Report the sender to the platform and/or block them.
   Take a screenshot if possible and keep the image/video/message if it can be used as evidence. If not, delete the content from the phone.
2. Inform the police’s online unit.
   The police have a dedicated online unit that offers advice and assistance in such situations. They can be contacted through their channels on social media

Your information may not necessarily lead to criminal charges, but it will start a dialogue and follow-up, where the young person and, where applicable, parents are guided through the process. If the matter is reported by someone under 18, the parents are always involved.

Statistics on violent and nude images that 13-18-year-olds are exposed to:   •    56 per cent have seen frightening or violent images and videos at least once in the past year.   •    33 per cent have seen fights being planned or actual fights at least once in the past year.   •    30 per cent have received a nude image in the past year.   •    28 per cent have been asked to send a nude image of themselves.   •    9 per cent reported that they have shared a nude image of themselves in the past year.   Source: ‘Children and Media 2024’, Norwegian Media Authority

Remember the 13-year age limit  
Many parents are not fully aware of the age limits on different platforms, according to the Norwegian Media Authority’s report ‘Parents and Media 2024’. Remember that the 13-year age limit applies on Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Discord.  
What the law says
Many young people are unsure about what the law says and what applies. As a parent, you can help with this.

Nude images

• It is illegal to send sexualised images to anyone under the age of 16 or to someone who has not consented to this.  
• As a general rule, it is a punishable offence to take, possess, or share nude images or videos of someone under the age of 18.
• In exceptional cases, criminal charges may be dropped if a person is in possession of a nude image of someone who consents to them having it (e.g. a boyfriend or girlfriend), as long as they are close in age and development, and the person depicted is between 16 and 18 years of age. Regardless of this, it is prohibited to send the image to others.  
• Even if the person in the image is over 18, it is illegal to share a nude image without their consent.  
• Violating these rules can result in a fine or imprisonment.

Violent videos

•  It is illegal to share offensive images, videos or audio recordings, such as videos of someone being subjected to violence or humiliation.  
• Sharing such videos may be punishable by law.  
• Violating these rules can result in a fine or imprisonment.  

Sources: Police online unit, Norwegian Media Authority and Kors på halsen

Interested in learning more about the DSA?

Explore the DSA for YOUth toolkit to learn how the Digital Services Act (DSA) protects minors by design. There, you will find a family-friendly booklet explaining the DSA guidelines on what online platforms should do to keep kids and teens safe online, easy-to-read explainers, a quiz, and other resources.

Interested in learning more about activities in Norway?

Find more information about the work of the Norwegian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.