School Health Survey 2023: Almost all children and young people in Kuopio take part in weekly activities

23.10.2023

Almost every child and young person in Kuopio has a hobby, according to the latest School Health Survey 2023 conducted by the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

The survey is answered by pupils in the 4th and 5th grades of primary school and the 8th and 9th grades of upper secondary school, as well as by 1st and 2nd year students in high schools and vocational colleges. Data have been collected for several years and the latest was completed in 2023.

Young people in Kuopio sleep longer at night than before

A recent School Health Survey reveals several beneficial changes in the lifestyles of young people in Kuopio. More secondary school pupils than before say they sleep more than 8 hours on weekdays. They are also taking more exercise in their leisure time, although the majority of young people are not exercising at the recommended level. A positive change is also visible in the self-care of teeth. Primary and secondary school pupils are brushing their teeth more often than before, as recommended, i.e. twice a day.

Concerns are rising about the eating habits of children and teenagers. Around half of vocational students do not eat breakfast every school morning and almost half of secondary school students skip school lunch at least one day a week.

70% of secondary school students say they are sober

More secondary school and college students are reporting that they are sober. Other forms of substance use and experimentation have also decreased in Kuopio. A positive trend in substance use was already seen in the previous 2021 survey and the positive trend seems to have continued.

However, an increase in the use of e-cigarettes among secondary school and upper secondary school students and an increase in snus use among vocational school students is seen as an unfortunate change.

Bullying in primary schools has increased

Almost one in ten primary school pupils in Kuopio report being bullied on a weekly basis. Bullying in primary schools has increased since 2021. In the survey, primary school pupils also report more often that they have experienced emotional or physical violence from a parent or other caring adults. 15% of primary school pupils say they have experienced physical violence and a quarter have experienced emotional violence from a parent or other caring adult.