Survey reveals widespread bullying among University of Eastern Finland students

A survey by the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland found that 62% of respondents had witnessed bullying during their studies, with over a third reporting personal experience of being targeted, Yle reports.

The online questionnaire, completed by 180 students from the university’s Joensuu and Kuopio campuses this spring, revealed social exclusion as the most common form of bullying, followed by belittling, humiliation, and spreading rumours. Some respondents also described inappropriate treatment by staff—one in ten identified a university employee as the perpetrator.

Bullying was most frequently observed in group work, student organisation events, and orientation activities for new students. Many respondents called for greater openness in addressing the issue and clearer reporting channels, with some admitting they did not know where to turn.

Ville-Pekka Timonen, acting advocacy specialist for the Student Union, acknowledged the survey’s limitations, noting that those with bullying experiences may have been more likely to participate. However, he stressed that over half of all respondents—including those not personally affected—had witnessed such behaviour, indicating its prevalence in daily academic life.

The university enrolls approximately 17,000 degree-seeking students across its two main campuses.