Jyväskylä is implementing the "Safer Space" principles in its sports services and digital guidelines for children's recreational activities

The principles for a safer environment are based on the City of Jyväskylä’s general guidelines, which are supplemented by the Sports Services’ own guidelines. The principles for a safer environment were developed in close collaboration with Sports Services staff. In addition, local sports and fitness clubs have been involved in the process, and input has also been sought from the City Youth Council. 

- We wanted to develop these principles together with the people who use sports services and facilities in their daily lives. The principles for a safer space aim to convey a message and ensure that every user of sports services and facilities can feel welcome without facing discrimination or inappropriate treatment. In addition to physical facilities and services, these principles also apply to digital services and the social media channels of sports services, says Sports Director Anna Leena Sahindal.

- The users of sports facilities and services include people and communities from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The principles of a safer space remind us that no one’s characteristics or background should negatively impact their experience of the service. The responsibility for respectful and appropriate behavior lies with everyone: staff, customers, fellow exercisers, clubs, and activity leaders, Sahindal sums up.

Learn about the principles of a safer environment for sports services on the "Principles of a Safer Environment for Sports Services" webpage. 

Digital recommendations support balanced and community-oriented recreational activities for children 

In addition to the principles of a safer environment, the City of Jyväskylä’s Sports Services has adopted digital recommendations for children in the recreational activities organized by the city. The recommendations align with the digital recommendations for children’s sports and physical activities published by the Olympic Committee in spring 2026 and are based on national digital recommendations for children aged 0–13.

The main goal of the digital guidelines is to reinforce the importance of hobbies as a screen-free, community-oriented, and safe environment for leisure time. During leisure activities, digital devices are generally kept out of use, except for needs related to safety, health, or the content of the activity. The aim is to support genuine presence, mutual interaction, and positive encounters.

- Physical activity and hobbies provide children with an important counterbalance to their screen-heavy daily lives. When screens are set aside, space is created for interaction, doing things together, and the joy of movement, says Sahindal.

The recommendations also support the protection of children on social media and in communication environments. Communication related to recreational activities generally takes place through guardians and coaches, and the rules regarding photography and content sharing are clearly reviewed with children and guardians. Adults—guardians, coaches, and club officials—play a key role in establishing common rules and setting a good example.

- Restricting the use of digital devices in schools has already shown positive results, and the aim is to reinforce this approach in extracurricular activities as well—regardless of whether the activities are organized by the city or a civic organization, such as a sports club, says Sahindal. 

The goal is for the principles of a safer space and digital recommendations to form a cohesive whole that supports equality and well-being and creates a framework for safe and community-oriented recreational activities.

Learn about the Sports Services’ “Safer Space” principles and the digital guidelines for children’s recreational activities on the Sports Services’ “Rules and Guidelines” webpage (in Finnish).