Online · Ages 8–12

You have boundaries online too

Perhaps someone is writing to you in a game, asks you for a picture or sends something that worries you. Even though the person is on a screen, you have boundaries and can get help with what happens. You can stop replying, leave the conversation and show it to an adult you trust. You can also get help if you have already replied or sent something. The adult can help you work out what you should do next.

You decide what you want to reply to

You can choose which messages you want to answer and end conversations that make you feel unsafe.

Pictures and videos

Ask before taking or sharing a picture of someone. Saying yes to having a picture taken does not mean the person wants it posted or forwarded. You can say, 'I do not want that picture shared,' even if an adult took it. If someone shares a picture of you and you feel upset or unsafe, ask an adult for help. You do not have to negotiate alone with the person who shared it. Avoid forwarding a hurtful or private picture to show others what happened.

You can leave, block and tell someone

If someone makes you feel unsafe online, you can stop replying and leave the conversation or game. Blocking someone means using a setting that prevents them from contacting you through that account. An adult can help you find the setting. Many games and apps also have a button called 'Report'. You can use it to tell the people running the service that something has happened. Show an adult what you have received so that you can work out what to do next together.

Show an adult

If someone writes or sends something that frightens or worries you, you can show the screen to an adult you trust. You can do this without having to explain everything in words first.

If something has already happened

You can get help even if you replied at first, sent something or found the conversation exciting. Someone may try to make you send more or keep the contact secret. You are allowed to end the conversation and tell an adult. Show the message or explain what happened. Ask for help reporting or stopping contact and keeping relevant information without spreading private pictures. You do not have to deal with the entire situation alone or send more to make someone stop.

What happens online matters too

You have the right to speak up and get help even if something happened in a message, a game or on social media.

Want to talk about it?

You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.

Help me explain

Sources and further information

Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.