The Truth About School Bullying in Finland

• By finlandforkids
• Education
• bullying

School bullying can be a traumatic experience for both children and parents. But they are not alone. In Finland, bullying is considered everyone’s problem. The Finnish education system focuses on prevention, teaching social skills, and creating a supportive school environment. Finnish schools are legally required to take immediate action when bullying is reported. This strong commitment to student welfare is reassuring for parents. And if you’re still unsure how to handle a bullying incident, this guide will help you take action with confidence.

What is Bullying Anyway? Legal Definitions and Different Types of Bullying

In Finland, bullying is not considered a criminal offense, but it is taken seriously. The Basic Education Act (628/1998) requires schools to ensure a safe learning environment for every student. This includes a duty to prevent and intervene in cases of bullying when they occur during school hours or in connection with school activities.

While bullying itself isn’t a crime, it can become a legal issue if it turns into serious threats, physical attacks, or ongoing harassment. In such cases, it might fall under Finland’s Criminal Code, which covers things like assault, harmful speech, or serious threats.

For international families, it’s important to know that the Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014) ensures that all students are protected from discrimination. This includes discriminatory bullying based on race, gender, disability, or other personal characteristics.

Bullying can take many forms, and not all of them are immediately visible. The four common types are physical, verbal, psychological, and digital. Each type of bullying affects children in different ways, but all can have a serious impact on a child’s well-being, confidence, and development. 

Physical bullying

The most visible and easiest to recognize is physical bullying. This type of bullying involves direct harm to a person’s body or possessions. This includes any form of physical aggression such as hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or spitting. It may also involve damaging or stealing someone’s belongings. Children who are physically bullied suffer not only immediate pain but also long-term emotional trauma.

Verbal bullying 

When bullying involves the use of words to hurt, insult, or intimidate another person, it’s defined as verbal bullying. And it can be as damaging as a physical aggression. Common forms of verbal bullying include name-calling, teasing, making offensive jokes, and issuing threats. It can also involve discriminatory comments based on appearance, background, religion, or other personal characteristics. Over time, repeated verbal abuse can erode a child’s self-esteem, increase anxiety, and lead to withdrawal from peers and activities. Because it can be disguised as “joking around,” verbal bullying is sometimes dismissed or overlooked—but its effects are very real.

Psychological bullying 

Also known as emotional or relational bullying, psychological bullying is more subtle and manipulative. The goal of the perpetrator is to damage a person’s emotional well-being or social status. This type often includes spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, giving silent treatment, or manipulating friendships to isolate a child. Psychological bullying can be especially harmful because it undermines a child’s sense of belonging and trust. It often goes unnoticed by adults but can leave lasting emotional scars and contribute to depression, anxiety, or a loss of confidence.

Digital bullying

A rising concern for parents and educators is digital bullying, or cyberbullying. This modern form of bullying occurs through electronic devices and online platforms and can target children anywhere and at any time, even at home. Typical forms of digital bullying are the use of  threatening messages, spreading rumors online, posting hurtful or embarrassing photos or videos, or creating fake accounts to harass someone. Because digital content can spread quickly and remain accessible, the impact can be overwhelming and relentless. Victims may feel like there is no escape, which can lead to severe emotional distress. Although cyberbullying often happens outside of school, schools in Finland are still obligated to address it if it affects the school environment.

How to Tell If Your Child Is Being Bullied

Parents of school-age children should always stay alert and watch for subtle signs, as children who are being bullied often don’t speak up. Changes in behavior are usually the first warning sign. Your child might suddenly seem anxious, withdrawn, or unusually quiet. They may avoid school, fake illness, or show a sudden drop in grades. Sleep problems, loss of appetite, or unexplained headaches and stomachaches can also indicate something is wrong.

Emotionally, your child might become more tearful, irritable, or easily upset. Socially, they could stop seeing friends or lose interest in activities they once loved. Unexplained bruises, damaged belongings, or missing items are serious red flags, especially if your child struggles to explain them.

The key is to stay connected: check in regularly, listen without judgment, and create a safe space for your child to talk. If you suspect something is wrong, trust your instincts and reach out to the school or a student welfare professional for support.

Reporting Bullying: Practical Tips for Parents

If you believe your child is being bullied, it’s important to act quickly and calmly. Reporting bullying not only protects your child but helps prevent harm to others. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Talk to Your Child First

The first and most important step is to create a safe space for open communication with your child. Listen carefully and calmly when they share their experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me what’s been happening at school?” Listen without interrupting or minimizing their experience. Let them know they’re not alone and that you’re going to support them. During these conversations, take mental notes or write down the details they share. This documentation will be crucial in addressing the situation effectively.

2. Gather Information

Keeping detailed records of bullying incidents is essential. Write down specific dates, times, and descriptions of what occurred. If the bullying involves digital communication, save screenshots or messages. This evidence can provide a clear picture of the situation and support your case when reporting to the school. Try to collect details such as:

3. Contact the School

When you’re ready to address the issue, start by contacting your child’s class teacher, school nurse, or guidance counselor. Request a meeting and present the facts clearly. Bring the documentation you’ve collected and ask about the school’s specific anti-bullying procedures and what steps will be taken.

4. Escalate If Needed

If the bullying continues or the school doesn’t act, contact the school principal (rehtori). If the issue is still unresolved, you can file a formal complaint with your local Regional State Administrative Agency (Aluehallintovirasto) or contact the Ombudsman for Children (Lapsiasiavaltuutettu). The local municipal education authorities are also available to provide guidance and support.

5. Stay Involved

Keep in regular contact with the school. Ask for updates and check in with your child about how they’re feeling. If needed, seek support from a school psychologist or local child welfare services.

6. Know Your Rights

It’s important to understand your rights. Finnish schools are legally required to address bullying and ensure a safe learning environment for all children. You can request a formal investigation, and your child’s anonymity and protection are guaranteed. The system is designed to support both the child experiencing bullying and their family. Don’t hesitate to ask what actions they are taking and when.

Beyond Punishment: How Finnish Schools Stop Bullying

Finnish schools have a clear and strong legal responsibility to protect students from bullying. The law requires every school to take active steps to create a safe and caring learning environment where all students can feel secure and respected.

Every school must have a written anti-bullying plan that outlines exactly how they will prevent and respond to bullying. The plan must include clear procedures for identifying bullying, supporting victims, and helping students who bully others to change their behavior.

When bullying is reported, schools are legally required to act quickly. They must investigate every complaint thoroughly and take concrete steps to stop the bullying. This means talking to all students involved, understanding the full situation, and creating a plan to protect the student who has been bullied and help everyone involved.

Schools must also work to prevent bullying before it starts. This means teaching students about kindness, respect, and empathy. Many Finnish schools use the KiVa program, which helps students understand how to support each other and create a positive classroom environment. Teachers receive special training to recognize early signs of bullying and intervene before situations become serious.

In Finland, bullying prevention is a community effort. Recognising and intervening in bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence is every adult’s duty. Instead of punishing bad behavior, the Finnish approach to bullying focuses on teaching students to care for and respect each other, while relying on the support of the entire school community, including parents.

What to Do If Your Child Is Bullying Others

Learning that your child is bullying other students can be shocking and painful. It’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, and with the right approach, you can help your child change their behavior and develop empathy.

Start by staying calm and open, avoid blaming or shaming. Instead, talk with your child and try to understand what happened and why. Often, bullying can stem from stress, insecurity, peer pressure, or a need for control.

Let your child know clearly that bullying is never acceptable and explain how their actions may be hurting others. Contact your child’s teacher or school counselor to understand the full situation. Be open to their observations and recommendations. The goal is not to punish your child, but to help them understand why their behavior is harmful and learn better ways of interacting with others.

Consider professional support if needed. School counselors, child psychologists, or family therapists can provide strategies to help your child learn better social skills and emotional regulation. These professionals can help identify any underlying issues that might be causing the bullying behavior.

Final Thoughts

While facing school bullying is always a stressful and emotional experience for any family, Finland’s national approach offers a strong sense of reassurance for parents. With a clear legal framework, well-trained school staff, and a student welfare system that emphasizes early intervention and emotional support, the Finnish education system is built to protect and uplift every child. Programs like KiVa, internationally recognized for their effectiveness, reflect Finland’s commitment to not just stopping bullying, but preventing it through education, empathy, and community involvement. The focus on shared responsibility, where teachers, students, and parents work together, ensures that no child has to face bullying alone.