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Health · Norway
Updated September 2026

🧒 I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Barnevernet / Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge 116 111 (116 111) is the child-protection service for Norway: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge — 116 111 / Kors på halsen (116 111) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Politiet — anmeldelse (02800).

Call firstBarnevernet / Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge 116 111
Report toAlarmtelefonen for barn og unge — 116 111 / Kors på halsen
If that failsPolitiet — anmeldelse

🗣️ What to say

"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
  2. Call Barnevernet / Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge 116 111For advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Politiet — anmeldelsePolice and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
  4. Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
  5. Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

Barnevernet / Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge 116 111Reports of children at riskAs soon as a child worries you📞 116 111🔗 www.bufdir.no/barnevern/melde-fra-til-barnevernet
Alarmtelefonen for barn og unge — 116 111 / Kors på halsen24/7 helpline for children and young peopleFor children and teenagers📞 116 111🔗 www.116111.no
Politiet — anmeldelseReport online or via 02800Always — the basis for bank, insurer and platform📞 02800🔗 www.politiet.no/tjenester/anmelde
Kommunen — tildelingskontoret / NAV hjelpestønadHome services, personal assistance, aids, appealsFor care and support🔗 www.helsenorge.no/hjelpetilbud-i-kommunene
Støttesenter for kriminalitetsutsatte (politiet) / Kontoret for voldsoffererstatningFree support and guidance, violent-crime compensationAfter any crime📞 800 40 008🔗 www.politiet.no/tjenester/stottesenter-for-kriminalitetsutsatte

❓ Frequently asked

Will the child be taken away?

Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.

What if I am wrong?

Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.

The child told me something in confidence

You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “report child abuse Norway”
  • “child protection helpline Norway”
  • “worried about a child who to call”
  • “child neglect report anonymous”
  • “child helpline number”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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