Who can have sex with whom and from what age?
In order to protect children and young people, there are certain laws governing the age at which young people can legally have sex.
There are 4 different levels to the age of consent:
- children younger than 14
- young people aged between 14 and 16
- young people aged between 16 and 18
- adults aged 18 and over
Children younger than 14
In Norway, sex with children younger than 14 is defined as rape. Adults having sex with children, or making the child perform sexual acts with itself or others, will be punished with prison. This also counts for youths below 18 years of age.
If two children engage in sexual acts with each other, they will not be punished. Children younger than 15 have not yet reached the age of criminal responsibility, according to Norwegian law.
Young people aged between 14 and 16
It is illegal for adults to have sexual relations with children younger than 16. Adults having sex with children between 14 and 16, or making the child perform sexual acts with itself or others, are punished with prison. This is also the case for youths below 18 years of age, but penalty can be waivered if the two are of similar age and/or maturity.
If two young people under 16 have voluntary sexual relations, they will not be punished.
Young people aged between 16 and 18
From the age of 16, young people are allowed to decide for themselves whether they voluntarily want to have sex, with whom and when. They are not allowed to have sex with children.
It is illegal for adults to have sex with young people under the age of 18 years, if they are step-parents, foster parents or in other ways responsible for their care.
