Police officers in Southeast Finland are visiting every sixth-grade classroom in Kouvola during a two-week educational tour. The initiative brings law enforcement directly to students for 45-minute sessions covering four critical themes: substance abuse, sexual self-determination, social media, and bullying and violence. Officers selected these topics based on their visibility in young people's daily lives.
Senior Constable Janne Kyrönviita, who works with the youth investigation team at Kouvola's main police station, explains the program's significance. "When all schools in Southeast Finland registered for this year's tour, it demonstrates both the need and interest for these visits," he states. Kyrönviita brings over twenty years of police experience to these sessions, including previous work in preventive policing.
The educational program represents part of broader police-school cooperation in the region. During spring, emergency patrols began visiting schools during breaks as part of their regular shifts. Colleagues report successful encounters where students respond positively to seeing police officers in their school environment.
Kyrönviita observes significant changes in how children perceive police officers throughout his career. While respect and authority remain, the barrier to approaching officers has lowered considerably. "Children and youth approach police much more naturally now," he notes. "Police have maintained a long-term presence on social media, making themselves familiar to younger generations.
Despite some positive trends, concerning developments emerge. Kyrönviita worries that phenomena previously affecting older teenagers now reach increasingly younger children. While substance use among youth has generally decreased according to school health surveys and police observations, those who do use substances start at younger ages.
Social media's role in children's lives presents another concern. Mobile phones serve as central elements for middle school students, providing social connections and entertainment while exposing them to harmful content. During school visits, Kyrönviita consistently asks students about recent social media trends, sometimes learning about dangerous activities like climbing tall buildings or venturing onto railway tracks.
Technology hasn't yet brought advanced concerns regarding artificial intelligence in bullying or harm, as children haven't widely adopted AI for such purposes. Still, Kyrönviita emphasizes parental awareness and communication. "We adults don't know what happens in a child's world if we don't ask," he stresses. "When we persistently keep asking, the youth will hopefully always share some information.
Students demonstrate natural curiosity about police work during visits, frequently asking about memorable experiences or whether officers enjoy their jobs. One question arises increasingly often: how much do police officers earn? "Money stands out in young people's minds," Kyrönviita reflects. "I don't know if this comes from social media's glittering environments showing expensive brand clothes and wealthy lifestyles.
The emphasis on money manifests in youth-related problems Kyrönviita encounters. When investigating crimes committed by young people, the motivation often involves desire for money, typically to acquire expensive branded clothing.
Kyrönviita identifies another pattern in his work: many young people turn to crime or substances after long-term hobbies end. Excessive free time potentially redirects toward harmful activities. "Well-guided hobby activities are important when possible," he advises. "In some situations, it's emerged that the young person would have been motivated to continue their hobby but not as competitively as required from them.
Feedback collected from students last year revealed nearly half never discuss the session topics with their parents at home. Kyrönviita emphasizes the crucial importance of home conversations in youth development and safety. Adults carry significant responsibility in addressing these issues with children.
This police initiative reflects Finland's proactive approach to youth engagement and crime prevention, recognizing that early intervention and open communication can steer young people toward better choices. The program's expansion to all schools in Southeast Finland demonstrates commitment to addressing youth issues through direct engagement rather than waiting for problems to escalate.