The Research Foundation for Education (Otus) on Friday released its latest national barometer on student welfare in secondary education. The survey was conducted in conjunction with the Union of Upper Secondary School Students and asked 6,500 high schoolers about their studies and personal wellbeing.
A majority of respondents, 62 percent, said they believed studying was difficult. In 2019, only 40 percent agreed with the statement.
In addition, nearly a third of high schoolers said they felt they needed more support throughout their studies than they were receiving, and that finding a study-life balance was difficult.
Approximately a third also reported having difficulty forming close friendships, and more than a quarter said they found it hard to make contact with people in general.
Some 16 percent of respondents said they did not have enough people around to lean on when they experienced worries or problems.
"It is now particularly important to support young people's ability to cope and learn in different ways during their upper secondary education career. Students need individual support as soon as challenges arise, but overworked staff may not have the time," ** **President at the Union of Upper Secondary School Students Lukas Virtala said in a press release.
More education support professionals, study counsellors, and special education teachers are needed in upper secondary schools, according to Virtala.
At the same time, upper secondary school students are increasingly satisfied with their education.
A majority of respondents reported that teaching in upper secondary schools is generally good and that assessment is fair.