Martti Ahtisaari school threat – the city organizes a discussion service
On Thursday morning, 22 May 2025, the police of Eastern Finland received a report of a threat against the Martti Ahtisaari school in Kuopio’s Saaristokaupunki. The police were on the spot with several patrols to secure the situation and investigate the authenticity of the threat. The police isolated the area and the situation remained calm.
False threat – discussion help available
The police have identified the person who made the school threat. The threatening call to the school was made by an underage boy and the threat was not true. The suspect is not a pupil of the school. The police are investigating the case as an false threat.
The school day at Martti Ahtisaari School continued as normal after the situation was resolved. City of Kuopio, together with the North Savo Welfare Region, is organising intensive discussion support for the school.
The school informed the parents of the situation via Wilma and instructed them on the situation. Lehtoniemi kindergarten, which is located next to the school, was also isolated, although the threat did not concern the kindergarten. The parents of the children in the kindergarten were informed via an app used by the kindergarten.
Reflecting on what happened – important to discuss the issue
Naturally, what has happened is a matter of concern for children and young people throughout the Kuopio region. In this situation, it is important that all of us adults, both at school and at home, support children and young people and play our part in strengthening their sense of security. The following tips could help you to deal with the situation at home:
- Calmly give your child the right information. It may be helpful to talk to the child about why it is not worth discussing the issue too much on social media (this can easily increase the child’s sense of imminent danger).
- Ensure that the child’s daily life continues safely and that daily routines are followed.
- If the child wants to talk about the topic, be there for him or her and be open to questions from the child.
- Talk when he or she wants to, but don’t expect long chats.
- Reinforce your child’s sense of security in the here and now. You can let the child know that even though the situation may feel scary or upsetting, there is nothing to worry about.
- Be prepared to think about difficult things with your child, even if you are not sure of your answers.
- Allow space for emotional expressions to vary and for the fact that sometimes they can be unexpected.
- Frightening/shocking events may bring up possible past experiences of crisis.
Additional information
Finnish Red Cross: How to help a child in a crisis situation
