Imatra's school centers are declared bullying-free areas

Signs prohibiting bullying are erected in the courtyards of Imatra's school centers. The sign was designed by the students of class 4A of Vuoksenniska school and it was chosen as a result of a design competition.

The signs are an official reminder that bullying and illegal activities are prohibited in school centers.

- Everyone knows that, but a visible sign is a good reminder for students. Bullying is prevented by raising the issue, and this is one way to do it, the representative of the youth council Eemeli Solonen says.

He was part of the jury that chose the winner of the sign competition. In addition, the council included the mayor Kai Roslakka, head of educational services Minna Rovio, representative of the Children's Parliament Enni Helminen and communication specialist Jonna Mielonen-Jumisko.

A total of 17 proposals were submitted to the design competition. The work of class 4A of Vuoksenniska school convinced with its clarity and conciseness.

- It was great to notice how actively the students had joined. All the proposals we received were great and dealt with bullying from many different perspectives. The choice was by no means easy, says Roslakka.

An honorable mention went to the Koske school's pre-school Unicorn group.

The initiative for signs and declaring school centers to be bullying-free zones originally came from the 6th graders of Koske School.

The Unicorns of Koski preschool received an honorable mention.

At Imatra, we invest in the prevention of bullying and illegal acts

The signs are one part of the work against bullying and illegal acts, which Imatra has been doing purposefully for a long time.

Schools have a clear operating model for dealing with disputes and bullying situations, which is always followed.

- It is also important to do preventive work, and signs are one part of that, says Roslakka.

In addition to the signs, there is more in the works. Additional training on the application of peer mediation in cases of bullying is organized for school personnel, and a responsible person responsible for peer mediation is appointed for each school.

- In addition, it has been decided that schools will regularly review the model of bullying and illegal activities, and activate a multi-professional working group around the issue, Rovio says.

In January, the city council also accepted the challenge of the city of Raahe, in which municipalities were challenged to participate in the construction of safe schools throughout Finland.

For more information:

Head of Educational Services Minna Rovio, go. rovioimatra.fi (minna[dot]rovio[at]imatra[dot]fi), TWO TWO WHEN TWO