Digital abuse is when someone uses technology or technological devices to monitor, harass, threaten, or humiliate you.

When someone takes or shares a sexual photo of you without permission, that is digital sexual abuse. It is also illegal to threaten to circulate a nude photo or to send an unsolicited nude photo.

Online communication can be tricky. It is important to teach children ways to prevent digital abuse and teach them ways to deal with it if it happens. 

Talk to your children about safe online communication

Children and teenagers sometimes experience harassment online. It could be personal or sexual photos that are shared without permission or online bullying.

Tips for young people about online harassment

Look out for your safety by ensuring that your devices are not accidentally or openly sharing personal information you do not want to share.

Andri was very happy when he swept right on the picture of Helga and found out that she was interested in him as well. They ...

Andri was very happy when he swept right on the picture of Helga and found out that she was interested in him as well. They went to the same secondary school, Helga was a year older, popular and much prettier – in Andri’s opinion. They started chatting through the app and soon began flirting.

But now Andri feels really bad, Helga had asked him for a nude photo and intended to send one of herself back which she then never did. Helga sent the photo to her friends and now everyone is looking at Andri’s naked body. Helga thinks this is all funny and downplays Andri’s objections. She even posted their chat on Insta and everyone at the school has liked it.

If you’re concerned about viewing sexual images of children or having sexual conversations with those under 18, we can help you stop and change your behaviour for good.

The Sick Love Chat is an anonymous online chat venue where young people can voice their worries about their relationships, communication or violence. The chat is intended for people under the age of 20 of all genders. The website is only in Icelandic. Click the green button in the right corner on their website to open the chat.

In the chat you'll be connected with SickLove consultants who are trained by Stígamót to support you and provide information about various things related to communication and violence. You enter the chat on your own terms and you do not have to enter your name or other personal information.  

It doesn't matter whether the violence or the toxic communication happened recently or long time ago. You can always chat. The aim is to help you understand what happened, help you feel better and provide you with support to take the next step. 

The chat is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 8 and 10.

The Sick love chat is an anonymous chat for young people who seek advice about their relationships, communication or violence.

Save the Children offer consultation about children's welfare issues.

Save the Children (Barnaheill) is an organization which protects the rights of children. You can contact them for information on anything regarding the welfare of children, including advice regarding responses to violence against children. They offer legal advice, information about custody issues and children's rights.

On their website, it is possible to report illegal and inappropriate online content regarding or directed at children. Children can report content concerning themselves or other children. Reports are anonymous and forwarded to the police.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, it is your duty to notify child protective services. To report, you can either call 112 or write through the webchat. To get advice, call Save the Children telephone: 553 5900, or send them an email to barnaheill@barnaheill.is.

Protection and information on children's rights

Save the Children (Barnaheill) offers consultation about the welfare of children. On their website, it is possible to report inappropriate online behaviour against children.

If you think that there is a possibility that you have abused someone sexually if you are worried about your sexual behaviour, either online or towards other people, or you've gotten comments about you behaving inappropriately, seek help and change it.

Taktu skrefið is a group of psychologists specialised in this field. They help children, teenagers and adults.

The service is not free but most unions subsidize psychology services. You could also check with social services in your area.

Taktu skrefið (Take the step) is a group of psychologists that help people that are worried about their sexual behaviour or have sexually abused someone.

Bjarkarhlíð offers help to all people who have suffered abuse. You will be well taken care of here.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, or been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact a counselor at Bjarmahlíð regardless of your gender, origin or social status. There you will have access to a police officer, a lawyer, a social worker, and other organizations that offer support. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost associated with services or counseling.

The building is wheelchair accessible. If you need, you can get sign language or language interpretation.

Bjarkarhlíð is located near Bústaðarvegur in Reykjavík. Opening hours are on weekdays from 9–5. It is best to book a time through their website, calling their phone number: 553 3000. You can also send an email to bjarkarhlid@bjarkarhlid.is.

Family Justice Center for Survivors of Violence

Íslenska, English. Language and sign language interpretation.

Bjarkarhlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Please notify first if you need wheelchair access.

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri helps all people who have suffered abuse. 

If you or anyone you know has been abused, you can contact a counselor at Bjarmahlíð regardless of your gender, origin or social status. There you will have access to a police officer, a lawyer, a social worker, and other organizations that offer support. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost associated with services or counseling.

If necessary, you can receive sign language interpretation or language interpretation. The building is not wheelchair accessible, so if you need such access, please mention this when you book an appointment, a counselor can then meet with you at the Social Services office of Akureyri located in Glerárgata. 

Bjarmahlíð is located at Aðalstræti 14 in Akureyri. The office is open weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. It is best to book a time on their website or call via telephone 551 2520. You can also send them an email at bjarmahlid@bjarmahlid.is.

Bjarmahlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Communication online is constantly increasing. It is important to know what behavior is not okay and what to do when digital violence happens. Learn how to improve your safety online.

Online safety

Digital abuse

Digital sexual abuse

Talk to your children about safe online communication

Tips for young people about online harassment

Computer and smartphone security

Do you recognize abuse?

Andri

Is this abuse? Pick your answer:

Support

The Sick Love Chat

Save the Children

Taktu skrefið

Bjarkarhlíð

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri