Skididialog provides insights into how children and young people spend their free time

Pupils from Kellokoski School’s lower and upper grades, representatives from the school and leisure services, the mayor and local stakeholders were invited to participate in a discussion on the topic of our leisure time in Kellokoski.   

“We would like to thank the pupils who took part in the discussions for sharing their thoughts,” says Heli Hakulinen, Development Manager at Tuusula Child-Friendly Municipality.
 
 The discussions were conducted using Skididialogi, a discussion method developed by the City of Lahti specifically for children and young people, which is part of the Erätauko discussion method. The discussions are one way of increasing the opportunities for children and young people to participate in the planning of leisure activities and free time in accordance with the action plan of the Tuusula Child-Friendly Municipality project.  

From pleasant memories to a more comfortable Kellokoski

The discussions began in two groups, first reflecting on pleasant memories of leisure time in Kellokoski. Next, the focus shifted to the initial impressions of the recently concluded participatory budgeting process for children and young people, known as Osbu.  

Osbu has inspired children and young people in Kellokoski to come up with around 240 ideas for improving well-being and comfort. Fields, climbing frames, hangout spots and events were key topics that were proposed and are now being discussed further in Skididialog, says community manager Katja Repo.
  Among
other things, the participants hoped for more hangout spots, a sports equipment rental service for schools that would also be available after school hours, more opportunities for musical activities, moped clubs and moped customisation options, as well as a football hall and other places for physical activity. Many would also welcome the opportunity to try out different sports in school clubs and activities. The youth centre and the area’s natural environment were also considered important.
 
 Leisure time would also be more enjoyable if the equipment and facilities shared by local residents were kept in good condition. Vandalism in playgrounds, for example, causes resentment and affects the availability of services when equipment and facilities are unusable.
  At
the end of the discussions, the importance of leisure time was considered, as well as how each individual could contribute to making Kellokoski a more pleasant place to spend their free time.  

Children and young people as influencers 

The outcomes of the Skididialogi discussions are reviewed by the Tuusula Child-Friendly Municipality coordination group. 

– The discussions provided us with important information about the wishes of local children and young people and the places that are important to them. After being reviewed by our coordination group, the topics they raised will be forwarded to the relevant decision-making bodies, such as leisure services related to sports and youth services, and the education department related to school hobby and club activities, says Hakulinen.
 
 “Pupils will continue to have the opportunity to influence matters by responding to various surveys and participating in the youth council, their own school’s student council and regional Skididialogi discussions, which will continue in spring 2026 under the theme of leisure, continues learning expert Laura Aalto. 

The most important and constantly used form of influence is to express one’s thoughts to adults in everyday life, whether they are guardians, teachers or adults encountered during leisure time, such as youth workers. 

Follow Tuusula’s journey towards becoming a more child-friendly municipality:

Further information: Heli Hakulinen,
Development Manager, Education and Culture Division, heli.hakulinen@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3084 
 

This content has been translated using AI