The survey results also reflect data from a survey of foreign language speakers in the country.
Open image viewer
File photo. Image: Amanda Ölander/Yle
Only about one-third of people in Finland are optimistic about the future of the country’s children and young people.
That’s according to a survey commissioned by the teachers’ union OAJ, carried out by polling firm Taloustutkimus.
Among other things, the survey asked people to express their views about issues that affect children and youths.
The top concerns included too much screen time, mental health, bullying, the state of public finances, post-graduation job opportunities, as well as the quality and resources of the educational system.
The teachers’ union chair, Katarina Murto, said “Finland is at a turning point”.
“It’s important for society as a whole, and especially for decision-makers, to stop and consider the [survey’s] results. Many of the concerns that overshadow the future of children, young people and all of Finland can be resolved by ensuring a high-quality and sufficiently resourced education system and ensuring that teachers are able to cope and do their jobs as well as possible,” she said.
Respondents were also asked about their concerns regarding the educational system in more detail. It turned out that around 80 percent said they were concerned about the deterioration of basic skills and a decline in learning results.
Education funding concerns
Around seven out of 10 said they were concerned about the funding of education and budgetary cuts to education. They were also worried about academic requirement levels being set too low, and that young students can continue through school without achieving adequate competency.
The vast majority of respondents (92%) said they think it is particularly important for the future of children and young people to have access to trained, qualified teachers — as well as receiving a high-quality education throughout their years in school.
Just over three-quarters of respondents (77%) said they trust the ability of daycare centres, schools and institutions to build a better future. The union noted that respondents gave schools an overall grade of 9 out of 10 for their appreciation of the teaching profession.
The OAJ-commissioned survey was carried out by Taloustutkimus. The respondents, aged 15–74 and live in Finland, answered the survey digitally. The results also reflect data from a separate survey aimed at foreign language speakers in the country. It was carried out in November–December 2025. A total of 2,093 respondents took part.