Survey of 14,300: Tampere Students Feel Safer and More Supported at School

According to the City of Tampere, a city school-year survey found students report improved safety and a largely positive school atmosphere. The results follow an earlier city survey praising after-school safety and the recent 'Listen to Youth' campaign encouraging adults to check in with teenagers. Responses were collected in May from 14,300 students and 2,300 guardians.

Ninety-one percent of pupils say they feel good at school, and 76 percent have at least one adult they can confide in. Just 4 percent feel very lonely during recess. Active travel remains common. Thirty-eight percent walk, 34 percent cycle, and only 6 percent travel by car. Most pupils, 93 percent, say they know what they are supposed to learn. Eighty-two percent know how to set learning goals, and about 80 percent report receiving feedback from teachers.

The new mobile device policy is widely seen as beneficial, with 76 percent of guardians and 91 percent of principals reporting improved concentration. Older students are more cautious, however: about one-third of seventh graders and a quarter of older pupils say their focus has improved.

Witnessing violence among grades 5–9 fell to 46 percent from 49 percent last year, while reporting of incidents to adults rose to 40 percent. Bullying rates rose slightly for grades 1–6 to 29 percent but fell for grades 7–9 to 13 percent. Fourteen percent of upper-grade students reported experiencing discrimination.

Almost three out of four students finishing basic education feel prepared for further studies, and roughly 90 percent of guardians view basic education as important for their child's future.