More than 10,000 young people shared their vision for Helsinki!
More than 10,000 lower secondary school students in Helsinki shared their thoughts and wishes in the Youth Helsinki Survey, conducted in spring 2026. The survey, carried out by Helsinki Youth Services, gathered information about young people’s experiences related to leisure time, hobbies, neighbourhoods, well-being, community, and opportunities to influence matters that are important to them.
The survey results are discussed together with young people in Youth Budget workshops organised by Youth Services. The survey results are also used in development of the city services and services for young people.
What matters most to young people?
Substance use and disruptive behaviour create feelings of insecurity
Safety emerged as one of the most important themes in the survey. Young people reported feeling unsafe especially around intoxicated individuals, during the evening and after dark, and when using public transport. Metro and train stations were also frequently mentioned. Open-ended responses linked feelings of insecurity particularly to unpredictable behaviour, harassment, and situations perceived as threatening in public spaces. Young people wished to see more trusted adults, a stronger visible presence of authority figures, and more active intervention in disruptive situations. The areas most frequently associated with feelings of insecurity were Malmi, Itäkeskus, Kontula, the city centre, Pasila, and Sörnäinen. The shopping centres most often mentioned were Itis, Tripla, and Kamppi. According to young people, safety could be improved by keeping public spaces cleaner, monitoring substance use in public areas more effectively, and repairing vandalised or damaged environments more quickly.
Young people want more hobbies and shared activities
Hobbies and leisure activities were among the survey’s main themes. Young people particularly wished for more opportunities for exercise and sports, including basketball, badminton, football, martial arts, dance, and gym facilities. Music, art, cooking, theatre, gaming activities, and a variety of events were also frequently mentioned. Many respondents emphasised that hobbies should be free of charge or affordable. Young people would like opportunities to try new hobbies without long-term commitments. They also expressed a desire for more opportunities to meet friends, spend time together, and participate in low-threshold activities in their local communities.
Young people want to influence climate action, equality and well-being
More than half of Helsinki’s young people feel that they can influence issues that matter to them at least to some extent. This figure increased by 14 percentage points compared to the previous year. Young people reported being most willing to take action on issues related to nature and climate, human rights and equality, and young people’s mental health and well-being. Safety and the reduction of bullying were also considered important causes. When asked how the city should involve them in decision-making, one message stood out clearly: young people want to see that their opinions have a real impact. Surveys and voting were regarded as accessible ways to participate, but young people also called for more workshops, discussions, and opportunities to take part in planning decisions at an earlier stage. Social media was by far the most popular channel for making their voices heard. More than half of respondents felt that they could influence issues through social media
Learn more about the results!
The full report on the Young Helsinki Survey is available at: nuorten.hel.fi/youth-helsinki-survey
What is Youth Helsinki -survey?
Through the Young Helsinki Survey, Helsinki Youth Services regularly collects information about young people’s experiences, needs, and aspirations. The survey is aimed at students in grades 7-9 studying in Helsinki and is conducted in cooperation with lower secondary schools. In 2026, 10,167 young people from across Helsinki responded to the survey. Youth Services has been collecting experience-based information from young people through a shared digital survey since 2022. Previously, the survey was called the Youth Budget Survey and was conducted annually. The renewed Youth Helsinki Survey is conducted every two years, with the next survey scheduled for 2028.