Teachers in Lapua learn self-defence as school violence becomes routine

Teachers and school staff in the Finnish town of Lapua are receiving self-defence training as part of a broader effort to tackle rising violence among under-15s, Yle reports. Bruises, kicks and bites have become a normal part of working life for many of the town’s school employees.

Lapua has recorded disproportionately high numbers of suspected crimes committed by children under the age of 15 for several years. When measured per capita, the figures have at times exceeded those of Seinäjoki, the regional capital of South Ostrobothnia. A significant share of the suspected offences involve violence against persons.

In response, the city council approved funding for a new role: a school safety coordinator. The post was filled by Ilpo Rantala, a former police officer who has worked with young people for roughly two decades. According to the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, equivalent positions exist only in the largest Finnish cities, making the role highly unusual.

Rantala describes himself as a general handyman of school safety. His work includes daily presence in schools, contact with parents, child welfare services and police, and now also training staff to handle violent situations. At a recent session in a school gymnasium, teachers and classroom assistants practised receiving blows and responding to physical threats.

“A pupil has tried to hit, bite or scratch, and sometimes kick. Some of the nail marks on my hands will be there forever,” said class teacher Janna Sepponen.

Classroom assistant Tommi Ilkka said he is often the first to absorb violent behaviour because he works closest to pupils in the classroom.

Mika Kamunen, the city’s director of education and welfare, said the school year now ending has been particularly difficult, especially at the upper secondary level. He is particularly concerned about the growing number of pupils who are not attending school at all. Fifteen years ago such cases were isolated; now the figure is said to exceed ten young people.

A parent information evening held at the upper school last week drew only around ten attendees. Rantala expressed concern about households that view the school as an adversary rather than a partner.

Senior Constable Ville Pajula of the Ostrobothnia Police, who works as an anchor police officer covering schools and youth in the region, said he had previously referred to Lapua as the shoplifting capital of South Ostrobothnia, but noted that violence figures have also been rising in recent years. He offered strong support for the coordinator role: “I warmly recommend this kind of solution everywhere.”