A sense of security in schools comes from shared rules and consideration for others.
Schools in Tuusula have paused to reflect on safety and opportunities for influence together with children and young people in the form of skid dialogues. The discussions have highlighted, among other things, the importance of rules and adult presence during the school day, as well as opportunities for pupils to influence matters. rn
During the current school year 2024–2025, skididialogue discussions have been held at all primary schools in Tuusula. The topic of the discussions has been pupil safety, and the dialogue sessions have been attended by pupils who signed up for each school and representatives of the school staff. The insights
gained from the discussions have been compiled and will be utilised in developing a common operating culture for schools. The thoughts of children and young people are also important background information for Tuusula’s work as a child-friendly municipality.
Skididialogi is a model based on Erätauko discussions, in which children and young people can express their own thoughts and experiences on the topic at hand. The discussions also build a common understanding of the issue.
Safety through common rules and operating models
In discussions, pupils have recognised that clear school rules in particular create a sense of security. They ensure peace and quiet during lessons and safety during breaks. Children and young people consider it important for adults to actively intervene when rules are broken and to be present in conflict situations. A consistent view and operating model regarding safety among adults at schools provides pupils with a sense of security. Breaks and encounters
during them bring new energy to learning. The presence of adults during transitions from lessons to breaks and vice versa is important alongside break and meal supervision.
A sense of community, good class spirit, consideration for others and friendly treatment bring a feeling of safety to school communities. Group formation sessions, which are held, for example, when moving up to the seventh grade, are important for getting to know new classmates. Equipment and building
structures also play a role in creating safety. Restrictions and rules on the use of mobile phones, locked doors, surveillance cameras, tidy premises, fenced playgrounds and designated break areas create a sense of safety. Technical workshops are often considered the most exciting places in schools, where safety instructions must be followed carefully.
Schools’ actively updated safety plans bring together key safety issues and provide common guidelines for unexpected situations. Various exercises are also carried out with pupils, such as evacuating indoor areas in a simulated fire situation. Practising contributes to safety.
The importance of opportunities to influence on pupils’ well-being
Students can influence school matters in many different ways. Existing forums for influence, such as class councils, student councils and school meal groups, are important places where students can express their opinions and influence school activities.
During the discussions, the pupils said that their opinions are listened to and that they can influence matters such as school meals and the functionality of the school grounds. In addition, the student council meets regularly and pupils can express their opinions and suggestions for improving school activities. The schools also have food groups that meet once a year, where pupils can discuss and influence matters related to school meals. Pupils can also influence matters at class level, such as the amount of homework or study methods.
A shared understanding arises from insights
The discussions have also contributed to a greater mutual understanding and insight into what factors increase pupil safety, and have opened the eyes of the participants to what is working well in schools and what could be improved. Increasing pupil participation, not only in a representative capacity, and treating others with respect and kindness are common goals for schools. The discussions have recognised that there is a strong sense of community in Tuusula’s schools.
Pupils have realised how important it is to tell adults if something is bothering them or if they want to influence something that is important to them. Children and young people have also become more aware of the importance of treating others well and the significance of everyone being able to be themselves as part of the school community. In an accepting atmosphere, pupils thrive and diversity is seen as an asset.
Adults, in turn, have gained confirmation of the importance of their own presence and of common operating models. The ProKoulu model, which is used in schools in Tuusula, provides schools with tools for creating a uniform operating culture. The model creates security and reinforces equality and consideration for others.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the skididialogues for the important discussions!
Further information:
Head of Education Markus Torvinen, markus.torvinen@tuusula.fi, 040 314 3410
Learning Specialist Laura Aalto, laura.aalto@tuusula.fi, 040 314 3485
Check out Tuusula’s Child-Friendly Municipality initiative, which focuses on giving children and young people a voice:
This content has been translated using AI