Vantaa enhances anti-bullying initiatives amid multicultural challenges at Kilteri School

A frustrated eighth-grade girl at Kilteri School in Vantaa rushes to class after waking up late, expressing her irritation to school youth worker Juha Huopainen. He encourages her as she hurries up the stairs. Huopainen is part of a team of nine youth workers in Vantaa who advocate for community and combat bullying in twelve local schools.

Youth workers have been found to effectively reduce bullying, according to a study by the Youth Research Society, which noted a 33% decrease in incidents in schools with youth work programs compared to those without. These workers focus on building positive peer relationships among students, as bullying usually occurs in informal spaces rather than under teacher supervision.

Next year, Vantaa plans to enhance its anti-bullying initiatives, investing in children’s and youth welfare as part of its 2025 budget. In the wake of increased tensions after the COVID-19 pandemic, Vantaa schools, including Kilteri, will hire coaches to help manage everyday challenges and prevent bullying.

Kilteri students are also proactive in combating bullying through initiatives like the upcoming Kiltsu Crew, which will include students monitoring the hallways.

Despite the benefits of youth workers in schools, their presence isn’t widespread; Martinlaakson School sets a positive example with a long tradition of youth support, which correlates with very low reported bullying incidents.

The article highlights the diverse environment in Vantaa, Finland’s most multicultural city, where students converse in 148 languages and represent 99 nationalities. Youth worker Huopainen acts as a supportive adult for students, fostering a safe space for conversation, especially during challenging times.