Online boundaries · Ages 13–17
Nude pictures, sharing and pressure online.
Pictures, messages and conversations may feel private when sent between two people. But digital content can be saved, shown to others or forwarded.
That is why it is important to understand your boundaries, what you can do if someone pressures you and where to find help if something has already happened.
Different situations
Which situation applies to you?
Someone asks you for a nude picture
You decide what happens to your body. You can say no, choose not to reply or end the conversation. You do not owe anyone a picture, including a partner or someone you like.
You have already sent a picture
Sending a picture to one person does not mean you consented to others seeing it. Nobody automatically gains the right to show or share it.
Someone shares your picture
If a sexual image of you is shown or forwarded without your consent, help is available. Tell an adult you trust and preserve information that can help document what happened.
Someone threatens you with the picture
If someone threatens to share pictures unless you send more, pay money or do something sexual, this is serious. Seek help rather than dealing with it alone.
You receive nude pictures you did not ask for
You do not have to accept sexual pictures you did not want. You can block the person, tell someone and ask an adult for help.
You are unsure who the person really is
People online may pretend to be someone else. If someone quickly turns the conversation sexual, asks for secrets or tries to move it into a private space, consider stopping and telling someone.
You receive a picture of someone else
Respect the person in the picture. Do not show it to others or forward it. If it is spreading, an adult can help report it and stop further sharing.
You have forwarded someone else's picture
Stop sharing and get help to put things right quickly. An adult can help have the pictures removed and speak with the person affected. Take responsibility for your actions and respect their wish for distance.
You are allowed to change your mind
Agreeing to one thing does not mean agreeing to everything
You may have wanted to send something at the time and regretted it later. You may also have wanted one particular person to see a picture without wanting anyone else to see it.
Having permission to receive a picture does not mean having permission to forward it.
What does the law say?
Sexual images of people under 18
Norwegian law has strict rules on sexual images and videos of children and young people under 18. As a general rule, taking, possessing or sharing such images is prohibited.
There are certain legal exceptions, but receiving an image does not in itself give you permission to share it.
If you are unsure about a particular situation, the Norwegian police's 'Delbart?' resource explains the applicable rules.
Read the police's Delbart? guide (Norwegian)If someone pressures or threatens you
You need help, not more demands
Someone may use a picture they already have to pressure you into sending more pictures, paying money, meeting them or performing sexual acts on camera.
If this happens, you can stop contact and tell an adult you trust. The police can also help. If there is immediate danger, call 112.
Find out how to contact the police (Norwegian)If something has already been shared
Keep information documenting what happened
Tell someone
It may be a parent, another adult you trust, a school nurse or another safe person.
Keep information that documents the incident
This could include usernames, messages, times or other details showing who contacted you and what happened.
Block contact if you want to
You do not need to continue a conversation with someone who pressures, threatens or makes you feel unsafe.
Ask for help with the next steps
An adult or the police can help you decide what should happen next.
Finding it difficult to tell someone?
We can help you start the conversation
You can create a short message to show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or another person who can help.
Help me explainSources and further support