Authors

• Advisory Council for Youth Affairs (Nuora)
• Finnish Youth Research Society. Finnish Youth Research Network

Keywords

adolescents, children, exercise (physical activity), hobbies, interpersonal communication, leisure time, leisure time activities, physical activities, social life, sport, youth

Abstract

The survey studied the leisure time activities of Finnish children and young people aged from seven to 29. Data collection is carried out every three years. In 2016 the survey was renamed as the Children and Youth Leisure Survey because the minimum age limit for participants was lowered.

The parents/guardians of the respondents between 7 and 14 years of age were first asked how much time the child spent using media (including social media, computer games, books, the internet etc.) and exercising. Respondents over the age of 15 answered these questions themselves.

The respondents were asked how much leisure time they had and whether they had any hobbies. Participation in organized leisure time groups, such as sports teams or scouts, was investigated. The use of media was measured by questions investigating the importance of different media and how often children used these media. Children under the age of 15 were also asked which devices they could use during their leisure time. Furthermore, Internet use was charted with questions about the things done online, and how often children did these things. The respondents were also asked about the device they used the most to access the Internet.

Questions about media use continued by investigating the importance of different uses of media. The respondents evaluated their own use of media and compared it with people of the same age. Media use within the respondent's family and media as a hobby were also studied.

Next set of questions dealt with relationships to other people. The respondents were asked how many friends they had, whether they had friends they had first met online, whether they felt they were a part of some group in social media, how often they used media to interact with friends and family, and how often they met face-to-face with their friends.

The respondents' physical activity was charted by asking how often they exercised in their leisure time, if they would have liked to take part in a certain kind of exercise, if they played sports as a member of a sports club, and how often they exercised in the sports club. Reasons for not exercising were investigated. The respondents were also asked how much money they would be willing to spend on exercising. Questions on whether the respondents exercised alone or with friends, and whether their physical activity was comprised mainly of sports, or everyday physical activities were asked.

Finally, the respondents were asked to evaluate their satisfaction on different areas of their life. These areas included leisure time spent on media, overall leisure time, human relationships, health, physical fitness, appearance, financial situation, and life in general.

Background variables included the respondent's age, gender, mother tongue, household composition, number and ages of household members, education level of mother and father, financial situation, and whether they identified as a member of a minority. For those aged 15-29, further background variables included the type of educational institution, employment status, economic activity and education.