More than half of foreign-born upper secondary students in Finland report discrimination

Over 50 percent of foreign-born students with immigrant backgrounds in grades 8–9 have experienced discrimination, according to a new school health survey by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The findings reveal a sharp rise in reported discrimination, particularly in Lahti, where nearly six in ten such students say they have faced bias.

Discrimination experiences grow fastest in Lahti

The latest THL survey shows that 59 percent of foreign-born students with immigrant backgrounds in Lahti’s 8th and 9th grades have encountered discrimination—a 16 percentage point increase since the previous survey. Across all immigrant-background students in the city, regardless of birthplace, 54 percent report experiencing discrimination in school or during free time.

Mikko Mäkelä, Lahti’s director of education, suggests the rise may partly reflect the growing number of students with immigrant backgrounds. The city is actively working to address the issue.

National trend shows widening gap

The survey highlights a growing disparity between students with Finnish and immigrant backgrounds. While discrimination experiences have increased in many major cities, Lahti stands out with the steepest rise.

THL research professor Anu Castaneda emphasizes that the findings—though indicative—should not be dismissed, especially in smaller municipalities where sample sizes may be limited. “The key takeaway for Lahti is that immigrant-background students report discrimination far more often than their Finnish-background peers,” she says. “Local action to correct this is crucial.”

Mixed experiences in schools

Ali Ridhwan, a 9th grader at Kärpänen School in Lahti—where nearly a quarter of students have immigrant backgrounds—describes a different reality. He says he has not personally faced discrimination and notes that while some students may feel excluded, the overall school climate is positive.

Maiju Nisukangas, a student counselor at Kärpänen, confirms that most reported bullying cases involve Finnish-background students. The school has implemented strict measures against racism, including immediate intervention in cases of discriminatory language. “We make it clear that words and actions have consequences,” she says.