Sex and boundaries · For ages 13–17
Age of consent
The age of sexual consent in Norway is 16.
The rule is intended to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation and abuse.
What does 16 mean?
As a general rule, sexual intercourse or equivalent sexual activity with a person under 16 is a criminal offence in Norway.
Age alone does not make something acceptable
Even when both people are above the age of sexual consent, sexual contact must be voluntary and based on consent.
The rules can be complicated
The age of sexual consent and the rules about consent concern different issues. Someone turning 16 does not mean that they have consented to anything. Being close in age does not make pressure or unwanted sexual contact acceptable.
Rules about criminal liability, age differences and positions of power require assessment of the specific circumstances. There are also separate rules about sexualised images of people under 18. Ask a trusted adult, the police or an appropriate advice service if you are unsure about a situation. You do not have to resolve a legal question on your own in order to set a boundary.
Adults have particular responsibilities
There are stricter rules where an adult holds a position of care, authority or special trust in relation to a young person.
What next?
Ask if you are unsure what the law means
You can ask a school nurse or youth health clinic, or consult official information from Ung.no.
Sources
These are the sources used for this article. Links open in a new tab. Source titles may be in Norwegian.
Have you noticed something you are unsure about?
The Norwegian question library explores things you may see, feel or notice in your body.
Explore the questions