Only one in three (34%) of those living in Finland is optimistic about the future of children and young people. However, a clear majority (77%) trust in the ability of early childhood education centres, schools and educational institutions to build a better future. Almost everyone (94%) considers high-quality education important for everyday safety.
The data is collected from a citizen survey conducted by Taloustutkimus, in which more than 2,000 people living in Finland shared their thoughts on the everyday life and future of children and young people, as well as the education system.
– OAJ is particularly concerned about the future of children, young people and the whole of Finland. That is why we wanted to use a broad survey to find out what kind of concerns people living in Finland have about the everyday life of children and young people, what kind of solutions would bring hope for a better future, and what they think about education. It is great that people in Finland trust in the ability of education to build a better future, says OAJ President, Katarina Murto.
Concerns do not vanish on their own, solutions are needed
There are currently many concerns about the everyday lives of children and young people. The top concerns are excessive screen time (77%), mental health (73%), bullying (64%), the state of the public finances (64%), employment opportunities after studies (62%), and the quality of resources of education (62%).
When the respondents were asked what concerns them in the everyday lives of children and young people 10 years from now, the order changed slightly. Bullying fell further from the top in the order of concerns, while the quality and resources of education rose higher.
– Finland is at a turning point. It is important that whole of society, and especially decision-makers, stop and reflect on these results. Many of the concerns that overshadow the future of children, young people and the whole of Finland can be resolved by ensuring a high-quality and sufficiently resourced education system and the ability of teachers to cope and do their jobs as well as possible, says Murto.
“Education brings competence, and competence brings employment and economic growth”
The survey also delved into concerns about the education system in more detail. Eight out of ten (81%) are concerned about the deterioration of basic skills and the decline in learning outcomes. Seven out of ten are concerned about the level of funding and cuts in education (71%) and about the level of requirements being too low (73%), meaning that students can progress on their learning path without sufficient competence.
The reduction of special classes and small teaching groups (68%), excessively large group sizes (66%) and excessive workload and coping skills of teachers (66%) also rank among the top educational concerns.
– Education brings competence, and competence brings employment and economic growth. However, this requires that the entire education chain is taken care of in the long term. OAJ considers it important that a parliamentary long-term plan is drawn up in Finland to raise the level of education and competence. Hope does not arise by itself but requires clear consensus of what Finland is aiming for and what kind of timetable, funding and measures will be used to move towards the goals, Murto emphasises.
Teachers are valued and education creates hope for a better future
What would give people living in Finland hope for a better future for children and young people? The top choices in the survey are investing in family livelihoods and employment (48%), early childhood education and education (43%) and mental health services (33%).
Respondents consider it important for the future of children and young people to have trained and qualified teachers (92%) and that the entire education chain from early childhood education to university is of high quality (91%).
Seven out of ten (71%) also consider it important for Finland to return to the top in international education comparisons.
– It is great that the importance of trained teachers is widely recognised. The qualifications of teachers and managers in the field must be maintained in Finland, says Katarina Murto.
Taloustutkimus also investigated trust in the willingness of various actors to build a better future for children and young people. The most trusted are early childhood education centres, schools and educational institutions (77%). Schools, ECE centres and educational institutions are also perceived as investing the most in improving the future of children and young people.
Respondents gave a school grade to the appreciation of the teaching profession, and the average was nine.
– The appreciation of the teaching profession and the attractiveness of the field must be secured by improving salary development and working conditions. A teacher register is also needed to anticipate training needs and ensure that there are enough qualified teachers, Murto says.
Education is worth defending
Only one third of people living in Finland trusts the willingness of the government and parliament to build a better future for children and young people. Katarina Murto finds it worrying if trust in politicians is eroding.
– This also underlines that instead of celebratory speeches and cuts in education, politicians need to take action that increases hope and confidence. Even in a tough economic situation, we must dare to invest in a better tomorrow and in what is worth defending in Finland, says Murto.
Education came first place when Taloustutkimus asked what is worth defending in Finland and Finnish society, that is, something that cannot be compromises on, even if the economy is tough.
– It is wonderful that education is seen as the most worth defending. Finland is now at a real turning point. Education funding has been cut throughout the 21st century, and at the same time learning outcomes and level of education have declined. Now the direction must change, says Katarina Murto.
The Great Growth Dialogue seeks solutions to concerns
At the end of March, key social influencers and decision makers will seek solutions to concerns overshadowing the future of children and young people in the Great Growth Dialogue, which OAJ is organising together with five significant social actors.
– The results of the Taloustutkimus’ survey form a valuable basis. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and find solutions to the concerns of those living in Finland. The responsibility for the future of children and young people is shared, says Murto.
This is how the Taloustutkimus conducted the survey
- Taloustutkimus investigated the views of 15-74-year-olds living in Finland using an internet panel and a separate survey aimed at non-native speakers. There were 2,093 respondents in total.
- The survey was conducted in November-December 2025. The results are weighted by region, age and gender.
- The background variable in the survey is the THL’s (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare) Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale and value-based segmentation.
- The margin error of the survey is a maximum of 2.2 percentage points in either direction at a 95% confidence level.
- The more detailed results of the survey, background information and research graphics are attached.
The Great Growth Dialogue invites us to solve common concerns
- In the Great Growth Dialogue on 31 March 2026, key figures from politics, education, the business world, culture and science will discuss the importance of education and skills as a source of hope and a builder of sustainable well-being and growth.
- The dialogue is streamed live
- The conference is organized in cooperation by the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ), Confederation of Finnish Industries, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Central Union for Child Welfare, and Association of Finnish Foundations.
- More information about the conference: suurikasvukeskustelu.fi
