Finland

Abstract

In this chapter, research on bullying in Finnish schools and measures taken in order to counter bullying in our nation are presented. Finland is a Nordic country, located on the eastern side of the Baltic and bordering Sweden and Russia. Finland has two official languages: Finnish (spoken by the majority of the inhabitants) and Swedish (spoken by a minority). The social and educational systems are similar to those of other Nordic countries. Due to historical and geographical circumstances, Finland has had especially close ties to Sweden, and, accordingly, the cultural climate is similar in both countries. As an example, corporal punishment of children by parents is prohibited by law in both Sweden and Finland.