The city of Imatra and Eksote support the students in the investigation of Monday's events

The city of Imatra and South Karelia's social and health district Eksote have launched support measures on Tuesday morning to help schoolchildren deal with the violent act, which happened outside school hours in the evening on Monday in the yard of the Vuoksenniska school center.

The Southeastern Finland police announced earlier that the police are investigating the assault that took place in Imatra on May 18.5. Videos have been shot of the event in question, which have been widely published on social media. The police do not recommend sharing the videos further, because in that case the person sharing the video may themselves be guilty of, for example, spreading information that violates private life.

The police have good information about the event itself. The police know the identity of the suspects, and the police are continuing their preliminary investigation. The suspects are all under the age of 15. The police hope that the discussion about the matter remains factual despite everything. More information will be provided on the matter as the investigation progresses.

Help from the morning

In all school centers, the video that happened in accordance with the crisis plan and spread on social media has been discussed with the students since the morning. In addition to the school staff, Eksote's student care professionals have also participated in the discussions.

Especially the videos have shocked children and adults.

Schoolchildren may also need to talk at home

─ At home, it is still good to talk about it between children, young people and parents. Parents can ask what the child has seen or heard related to the matter, Arja Kujala, head of welfare services, advises.

You can ask the children if the matter makes them think and what thoughts and feelings the incident evokes in them.

─ The matter is not necessarily clear in a one-off conversation. It is worth monitoring the child and, if necessary, bring up the matter again.

It is important to create a sense of security for children, to comfort them and to tell them that adults will investigate the matter and that both the perpetrator and the victim will get help from adults.  

The familiar routines of everyday life and home bring security to children and should be continued as normal.

Children sometimes remember things the most at night when they go to bed. A shared moment of talking and relaxing with a parent often calms the mood. Otherwise, you should schedule the chats for something other than the evening.

─ If the issue continues to weigh on the child's mind for a longer period of time and you feel that your own means are not enough to help, it is a good idea to contact student care or the children's and youth centers in Imatra or Lappeenranta at a low threshold, says Kujala.

More information: Head of Welfare Services Arja Kujala, p. 020 617 2227, arja.kujalaimatra.fi (arja[dot]kujala[at]imatra[dot]fi)