Education in Finland: Why is Bullying Rare? – It cannot be denied that bullying is a serious problem that plagues education systems in many countries, including Indonesia.
The impact is no joke; victims of bullying often experience psychological trauma and a decline in academic performance. Amid this troubling phenomenon, Finland stands out as one of the countries with very low bullying rates.
What is the secret? Let’s take a look at how the Finnish education system has successfully addressed this issue.
Finland, a Country with Low Rates of Student Bullying
Various international studies show that the rate of bullying in Finnish schools is indeed below average.
A report from the WHO consistently ranks the country as one of those with the lowest prevalence of bullying. This is not purely coincidental.
Finland implements a systematic approach to make its students feel physically and mentally safe.
The Secret of Finland’s Education System to Reduce Bullying Rates
The low incidence of bullying in Finland is inseparable from their education system, which proactively prevents such behavior. Several aspects that make this country very safe for students include:
1. Not Neglecting Students’ Mental Health
The Finnish education system places great emphasis on the mental well-being of students. Every school is required to have easily accessible psychological services, including psychologists and school nurses.
The team works together to identify potential problems early on, including bullying issues.
2. KiVa Prevention Program
Finland also has a national anti-bullying program called KiVa that has proven to be effective. Unlike most anti-bullying programs, KiVa does not simply punish the perpetrators of bullying.
This program provides a comprehensive focus so that all students who witness bullying are motivated to actively prevent it in order to protect the victims.
3. An Egalitarian Learning Environment
Finally, the Finnish education system also embraces the principle of equality. There is no ranking of students, excessive standardized testing, or intense competition. This environment reduces the pressure and competition that often trigger bullying.
The Success of Finland’s Education System: Should Indonesia Follow Suit?
It is not without reason that cases of child bullying in Finland are relatively low. This is because the country has a better approach to maintaining the mental health of its students.
What about Indonesia? Should our country follow Finland’s example? Although Finland’s education system cannot be adopted wholesale, Indonesia certainly has much to learn from this European country.
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Indonesia needs to seriously develop anti-bullying programs, create a healthy learning environment, and pay attention to children’s mental health.
Thus, Indonesia can record its name as one of the countries with low bullying rates.