Only 28% of 8th and 9th graders in Central Finland feel their area has enough youth spaces. This marks a sharp drop from just one year earlier when 33% reported sufficient spaces.
Finland's Child Ombudsman Elina Pekkarinen called the findings concerning. She said the lack of spaces directly impacts young people's safety and development.
Both girls and boys report feeling unsafe in public areas. Boys fear physical threats while girls worry about sexual harassment. Pekkarinen emphasized that youth-designed spaces with trained adult supervision remain irreplaceable.
Hanging out and meeting peers serves as young people's version of play, she noted. This social interaction proves crucial for their development.
The decline in youth spaces across Central Finland comes despite Finland's reputation for quality youth services. Local municipalities face budget pressures that affect community resources.
When young people lack designated areas, they may gather in places where help remains distant. This creates genuine safety concerns that communities cannot ignore.