Why you need Norway’s antibullying ombudsmen initiative with Kaja Asmyhr, Bodil Houg and Jon Lenning

Brad
Jun 15
2 min read

Release date: June 16, 2025

My guests this episode to talk about Norway’s antibullying ombudspersons, what they do, their value, and tips for bringing this important initiative to your community are three of Norway’s most experienced ombuds: Kaja Vintervold Asmyhr, Bodil Jenssen Houg, and Jon Halvdan Lenning. Our conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2025 World Anti-Bullying Forum, in Stavanger, Norway. The 2025 World Anti-Bullying Forum was hosted by the Norwegian Centre for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research in Education at the University of Stavanger (UiS) in collaboration with the teacher education programs at UiS; the UNESCO Chair in Diversity, Inclusion and Education; the Knowledge Centre for Education; and the Partnership Against Bullying. This biannual conference – the largest and most important of its kind – is an initiative of the Swedish NGO, Friends, and its Presenting Sponsor is BRP, a global leader in powersports products who, through its Ride Out Intimidation program, takes a firm stand against bullying. More information about them, the resources they mentioned, the antibullying ombudspersons initiative and its supporters, the World Anti-Bullying Forum, the conference organizers, and BRP’s Ride Out Intimidation program is at talkingaboutkids.com.

Biography of Kaja Vintervold Asmyhr

Kaja Vintervold Asmyhr is currently serving as the Anti-Bullying Ombudsperson for kindergartens and primary schools in Vestfold County. With a background as a teacher, social educator, and school inspector, Kaja brings a veraity of experience to her role. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, where her research focused on the role of adults in children's free play and how they can create a safe environment for children. Since 2018, Kaja has been dedicated to her work as an Anti-Bullying Ombudsperson, striving to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children.

Biography of Bodil Jenssen Houg

I am a trained teacher and worked in schools for 20 years. For 13 of those years, I served as a school leader and principal. I have been deeply engaged in how we can organize teaching so that students can learn together and build a sense of community through subject-based work. In 2013, a brand-new political position was announced for an anti-bullying ombudsperson, and I began in this role as the first and only one in Norway at the time. Today, there are anti-bullying ombudspersons in every county in Norway.

Biography of Jon Halvdan Lenning

Jon-Halvdan Lenning has been the anti-bullying ombud in the county of Troms since 2017 and has been involved in developing the Omni model since its inception in 2018. He is a general education teacher with additional qualifications in bullying, school environment, leadership, and organizational development. He has worked as a teacher and principal at the primary school level, in addition to several assignments as a mentor in the national guidance team and the national learning environment project.