Definitions, prevalence and sources of violence in Finland

Robert Arpo

Definition

• The word "koulukiusaaminen" (school bullying) is generally used when talking about mental and physical violence in school
• Mental violence has gained more attention as it goes unnoticed more easily than direct physical violence.
• The most common form of bullying in Finnish schools is harassment.
• It has been suggested that it is better to talk about school violence rather than bullying so that the problem would not be underestimated.

Prevalence

• Serious disruptive behaviour is rare in Finnish schools and affects a small minority
• There are remarkable regional differences in the prevalence of school violence
• Theft-crimes committed by young people increased during the 1980's but have been decreasing since then. There has been some increase in violent crimes during the last 15 year

Sources

• There is a strong connection between serious disruptive behaviour and an individual's place in society
• To become a victim of bullying and direct violence can also be seen from the perspective of group behaviour.