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Bullying prevention

The city of Riihimäki is doing long-term work for safer participation. In the city, the Reilu Riksu operating model for the prevention and intervention of bullying, discrimination, inappropriate behavior and illegal activities has been implemented. The operating model is used in every early childhood education unit, elementary school and Riihimäki high school in the city. In addition, the anti-bullying KiVa school activity is used in Riihimäki elementary schools.

Introductions

  • Fair Riksu operating model

    The purpose of the Reilu Riksu model, which covers the entire city, is to clarify the way of working in the prevention and intervention of bullying. In the model, the greatest emphasis is on prevention, so that children and young people can be in an environment that strengthens community, sociability and the progress of interaction skills. Instructions for intervention and measures when improper behavior has become apparent are also recorded in the model. Follow-up measures are defined in the next step, and they will be implemented if the measures of the first step are not enough.

    Each unit, such as schools, daycare centers and youth facilities, prepares its own operating model based on the model, how to act in that particular unit to prevent bullying, discrimination and inappropriate behavior in advance and when it becomes apparent. All actors working with children and young people, such as sports clubs, youth and cultural organizations and churches, are free to use the operating model in their operations. In the operating model, it is intended to write down the own unit's plan for implementation as well as the agreed practices, such as responsible persons and the method of communication with guardians.

    The Fair Riksu operating model will be introduced especially in the field of education and welfare and in Riihimäki parish during the fall of 2024. Associations are also expected to take the model's instructions into account in their own activities. In the spring of 2024, the city's grant regulations included a sentence instructing the prevention of bullying: "The recipient of the grant must commit to promote safe hobbies and leisure activities, prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment and intervene in them."

    The creation of the operating model started with three council initiatives. The city-wide Fair Riksu operating model was completed as a multi-professional collaboration and the city government approved the model at its meeting on June 17, 2024. The operation according to the model is long-term work to create a safe environment. The implementation of the Reilu Riksu model is monitored in connection with the city's well-being report, for example with the results of the school health survey.

  • Principles of a safer space

    The city of Riihimäki is committed to complying with the principles of a safer space. The principles of a safer space mean instructions on how to be considerate and appreciative of everyone in spaces and events.

    We are each different. Our characteristics are age, ethnic origin, citizenship, language and culture, religion, belief, opinion, political view, family form, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, disability, social status, financial status and other individual factors, e.g. skin color, body size or belonging to the neuro spectrum. These principles have been drawn up so that every participant feels as good, welcome and safe as possible.

    Guide to the preparation and use of the principles of a safer space

    • It is good to have the principles of a safer space drawn up in every organization organizing events or other activities. Such events and facilities include, for example, cultural events, leisure activities, hobby activities, youth facilities and the activities of associations.
    • There is no universally applicable safer space guidelines, and each entity can draw up its own principles that best suit its own space or event. Below you can download an editable Safer Space Principles poster.
    • The important thing is that the principles of a safer space are being drawn up together by everyone – children, young people and adults as well as customers, employees and volunteers.
    • When the jointly prepared principles are ready, they should be known to the participants. You can inform about the principles of a safer space, for example, on websites, event invitations and posters.
    • A contact person must be recorded in the principles of a safer space, to whom the participant can contact if the principles have not been implemented or if feedback is desired. The contact person monitors the realization of the principles of a safer space in the event or space and intervenes in case of their violation.

Additional information