Let's not forget the well-being of our youth!

Young people in Finland are struggling. Learning performances are in decline and support services are overwhelmed. Restlessness is on the rise in schools and during free time. The need for mental health support is growing rapidly.

The tragic school shooting in Vantaa serves as a painful reminder: distress can sometimes manifest in the most extreme of ways. Many still remember the Koskela teen murder, which makes the Vantaa tragedy even harder to understand, have we not learnt anything? This decade alone we've seen multiple examples of youth violence escalating to critical levels.

These incidents are not just statistics—they end young lives, shatter families and traumatize communities.

Even one act of violence, even one child lost is too many. Cries for help are abundant, but meaningful action is urgently needed to prevent these tragedies.

Our society requires decisive leadership. The livelihoods of families with children must be safeguarded, and youth services must urgently receive more resources. Solutions exist; funding is lacking.

Since the summer, Prime Minister Orpo’s government has faced criticism for cuts targeting children and young people. Child poverty is increasing by the thousands, funding for detached youth work has been slashed, and access to Nuotta coaching programs has become more difficult. A growing number of young people are excluded from the aftercare of child welfare services. Amongst all this, benefits for students and families with children are being tightened.

The government’s policies disproportionately burden the younger generations at the expense of their well-being. Organizations like Into ry and the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters have commendably highlighted and opposed the unfair decisions made by the Orpo-Purra administration.

How many young lives must be overburdened—or even lost—before we as a nation wake up to the full scope of this crisis?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was widespread discussion about youth distress. However, it seems that this conversation never progressed anywhere. Every child and young person deserves a safe home, a supportive school and a bright future. Well-being is not something we should take for granted.

That well-being and hope for the future are built in our homes and schools. Those are now filled with worry and sorrow. I dream of a Finland where these painful emotions are answered with better child and youth policies.

I am not alone in my dream. Together, we can and should demand and build a society where our future generations can thrive. Let's take time to sorrow today and wake up tomorrow with hearts full of hope. The time to act is now.

Lauri Kaunisaho

Student, municipal councillor for Keitele, second vice chairperson of the council (Greens)

Keitele/Joensuu