Even asking how someone is doing can make a big difference – The “Kuuntele nuori näkyväksi” campaign was launched at the request of young people in Tampere

The Kuuntele nuori näkyväksi (Listen to Youth, Make Them Visible) campaign originated from the desire of young people in Tampere to be heard and acknowledged. According to the 2025 National School Health Survey, about one in three 8th and 9th graders feels they cannot discuss their concerns with their parents often enough. Ulla Ojalammi, Director of Basic Education in Tampere, recognizes this phenomenon.

– We interact with children and young people at school every day, and the simple question ‘How are you?’ can already be a very meaningful gesture from a young person’s perspective.

Being heard strengthens a young person’s sense of safety, inclusion, and connection to the school community. Many young people remember, even years later, the adult who stopped to ask how they were doing.

– Being seen doesn’t always require grand gestures, and asking how someone is doing also helps adults identify potential concerns early on. Listening isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s one of the most important ways to prevent them from arising in the first place, Ojalammi continues.

A wide range of stakeholders involved in planning the campaign

The goal of the current campaign is to strengthen young people’s well-being and sense of safety, as well as to encourage adults to bring up young people’s joys, concerns, and experiences. The campaign is based on young people’s own experiences, which were collected from a total of 80 young people in schools and youth services.

– Every young person should be able to feel accepted for who they are. This isn’t always the case, which is why it’s important for young people to have adults in their lives who listen, care, and are there for them. By listening, we are building the City of Tampere into a city where everyone is seen and feels like they belong, says the campaign’s patron, Mayor Ilmari Nurminen.

In addition to specialists from the City of Tampere and young people, a wide range of other stakeholders—such as the police, The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, and various organizations—have been involved in planning the campaign messages. The campaign images also feature ordinary young people from Tampere. The campaign website (tampere.fi/kuuntelenuorta) offers useful tips and information for adults to support conversation and help them broach the topic. The campaign will continue through the end of August.