Authors

• Tampereen kaupunkiseudun nuorisopalvelut
• Mäki, Elina (Municipality of Lempäälä)

Keywords

adolescents, bullying, drug abuse, family life, hobbies, leisure time, life styles, physical activities, social influence, underage drinking, youth

Abstract

The survey was used to collect information on the leisure time, well-being and capacity to influence of young people in the Tampere City Region. The target population included young people on grades 7-9 of basic education in Tampere, Kangasala, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Vesilahti and Ylöjärvi.

The respondents were first asked questions about home and family life. Questions charted, among others, family members living at home, parents' employment, financial circumstances of the family, respondents' possibilities of influencing decisions at home, time spent at home per day, and activities done regularly with the family. Relating to leisure time, the respondents were asked the number of hours per day spent using a computer/smart phone/game console/TV, social media services used, places where they spent time outside school, hobbies and leisure activities, and reasons hindering involvement in a hobby/activity.

Experiences and views on activities organised for young people were examined. The respondents were asked whether they had participated in youth activities organised by their municipality of residence or other municipality. They were also presented a number of statements probing their satisfaction with activities in the municipality of residence (e.g. "There are enough instructed activities available for young people in my municipality of residence").

Regarding well-being and habits, questions examined physical exercise, sleep, experiences of bullying, use of harmful substances and products (alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, cannabis, energy drinks), number of friends, and feelings of loneliness. Relating to improving youth activities, the respondents were asked where they had received information on youth activities and services, what kind of activities they wished to have in their municipality of residence, and who they would turn to and which means they would use if they wanted to influence a matter in the municipality.

Background variables included the respondent's grade and gender, and language spoken at home.