A Safe Start to the School Year Can Only Be Built Together – Students and Guardians Play a Crucial Role

The beginning of a new school year is a defining moment for young people. It shapes how they experience their new community, whether they find their place in the general upper secondary school community, and whether they can come to school with confidence. Starting general upper secondary education brings excitement and new opportunities. At the same time, however, initiation events and large park parties have become recurring autumn phenomena that, at their worst, can jeopardise young people's safety and well-being.

Although initiation events are officially prohibited, the tradition has not disappeared. In addition, autumn park parties attract hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of young people to Helsinki’s parks on weekend nights. These situations have involved violence, substance use and dangerous near-miss incidents. Change is therefore not yet complete, and that is precisely why everyone’s contribution is needed.

General upper secondary schools across the Helsinki metropolitan area have invested in shared team-building days and welcome events held during the school day, where new students are welcomed into the student community through positive activities. These events emphasise community, safety and respectful encounters, which are exactly the elements on which a positive school experience is built. It has been encouraging to see how many students have committed themselves to creating new and positive traditions.

At the same time, it is important to recognise that this change has not happened on its own. It has emerged from young people’s own desire to create a better culture. More and more students have spoken openly about not wanting to take part in humiliation or bullying. This is a powerful indication that young people understand both their responsibility and their ability to make a difference.

We especially want to appeal to young people. As students, you have a tremendous influence on what the beginning of the school year will be like for new first-year students. Every one of you can choose to treat others with respect. Every one of you can decide not to take part in humiliation. Every one of you can say that there is no need to attend park parties if they do not feel safe. Your choices create a culture in which every young person can begin the school year safely.

At the same time, we hope that guardians remain genuinely interested in young people’s everyday lives. It is important to ask where a young person is going, who they are spending time with and what kinds of events they plan to attend. Young people need support so that they feel confident saying no to situations that do not feel right. A guardian’s presence and interest can help prevent dangerous situations and strengthen a young person’s ability to make choices that reflect their own values.

We have already succeeded in changing the culture for the better. Now we must continue this work together. Let us build general upper secondary school communities in which every young person is treated with respect and where a safe start to the school year is the norm, not the exception.

Signatories

Tarja Aro-Kuuskoski, Head of General Upper Secondary Education, City of Helsinki

Nina Malaska, Head of Swedish-language Liberal Adult Education and Upper Secondary Education, City of Helsinki

Jussi Paavola, Head of Upper Secondary Education, City of Espoo

Barbro Högström, Director of Swedish Education and Cultural Services, City of Espoo

Ari Ranki, Head of Upper Secondary Education, City of Vantaa

Mia Ahlskog, Director of Swedish-Language Service Area, City of Vantaa

Agneta Eklund, Head of Education, City of Kauniainen

Jussi Sutinen, chairman, Association of Independent Schools in Finland