Oulu schools report harsher violence and more extremist material

Violence between pupils in Oulu schools has not become more frequent, but incidents are more severe and pupils’ language and opinions have hardened, the city’s director of education and culture says. Yle reports that schools are also asking police for help more often.

Mika Penttilä said the atmosphere in Oulu’s comprehensive schools has become more tense over the past year. Dozens of violent incidents occur in the city’s schools each year, he said, with some involving serious violence such as kicking.

Penttilä also said pupils have begun bringing stickers linked to extremist movements to school. The material reflects both far-right and far-left thinking, and has been seen among children of primary school age. He said the trend appears to be growing.

Oulu police have spoken to about 70 children and young people this year following incidents at schools. Police communications chief Tero Väyrynen said the number of such discussions was around 100 last year and could be higher this year if the current situation continues.

Last week, police went to Kaukovainio School in Oulu to investigate a suspected assault involving primary school pupils. A criminal complaint has been filed, and police discussions with the children involved are due to begin soon.

Principal Timo Kettunen said the incident followed days of arguments and taunting outside school between Finnish-background and immigrant-background children. He said the underlying causes were not related to racism, but that racist elements emerged as events escalated. Several pupils directed aggression at one child, who was not injured. A playground supervisor reached the scene within three seconds, according to security camera footage.

Police have said the children suspected in the assault are from immigrant backgrounds. About 30 per cent of Kaukovainio School’s pupils have immigrant backgrounds, a higher share than in Oulu schools on average. Kettunen said the school has not seen major problems with gangs or racism, but that public debate about immigration is inevitably reflected there.

Police said the features of the Kaukovainio incident were unusual and that they had not identified gang formation in Oulu. Väyrynen warned that attacks by groups on individuals must be addressed firmly because they can quickly become dangerous.

Penttilä said he was concerned about the direction of events. He cited political rhetoric, social media and conditions at home as possible influences, saying strongly polarised opinions and behaviour can also affect children and schools.