"Direct debit" can mean multiple different systems. In this case the Norwegian system the parent talked about sounds similar to the Finnish Finvoice system that

"Direct debit" can mean multiple different systems. In this case the Norwegian system the parent talked about sounds similar to the Finnish Finvoice system that can be used to (auto-)pay practically all bills in Finland - the system is known to users as "e-invoicing" (e-lasku) or, if used offline, as "direct payment" (suoramaksu). The customer manually creates the billing agreement with a specific invoicer at the customer's online bank, and can set payment limits, notifications, and either automatic or manual approvals. These are distinct from the "SEPA direct debit", which is not used in Finland domestically. Due to their rarity I think "SEPA direct debit" payments are usually/often disabled or each payment requires a specific customer authorization via their online bank (so IBAN of such an account cannot be used to get money out of the account).