Knowledge and opinions about the criminalization of image-based sexual abuse among Norwegian youth

In recent decades, digital media have emerged as a significant arena for sexual violations among youth. Nonconsensual taking and distributing of intimate images are among the most common offenses, often referred to as image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). Many countries have developed new legislation in recent years directly targeting IBSA. In the present study, we used data from the cross-sectional YouthViolence 2023 study among Norwegian senior high school students (age 16–19) to evaluate knowledge and opinions about the criminalization of IBSA in Norway. The analysis shows both high knowledge about current IBSA legislation and a strong support for criminalization among Norwegian youth. These findings indicate that IBSA does not hinge on a lack of knowledge about the illegality of the acts among youth.