Police investigate violent incidents involving minors in Tuusula, Vantaa, and Jyväskylä

Last weekend, police reported at least three serious violent incidents involving minors who were stabbed in Tuusula, Vantaa, and Jyväskylä. Public discussions surrounding youth violence have increasingly mentioned the so-called “roadman culture,” which many adults interpret as the glorification of a criminal lifestyle. Antti Kivijärvi, a researcher from the Youth Research Society, noted on a morning talk show that adults often perceive certain youth cultures and styles through the lens of crime and deviance.

According to Kivijärvi, the concern regarding roadman culture might primarily stem from young people’s ways of self-expression, especially through specific fashion choices. Although some youths who idolize roadman culture may engage in criminal activities, he believes this is not universally the case.

Heikki Turkka, head of crime and conflict work at the organization Aseman lapset, echoed Kivijärvi’s sentiments, stating that adults’ worries about the roadman style appear exaggerated. He described the adult panic over the phenomenon as bordering on hysteria.

While violent acts involving weapons among youth are still relatively rare, police have noted an increase in the presence of sharp or blunt objects among young people, particularly knives. Turkka mentioned that the presence of knives among youth isn’t entirely new, citing higher instances in the 1970s and 1980s.

Young individuals have indicated that they carry knives for their own protection. However, Turkka remarked that the occurrence of assaults with knives remains an exceptional behavior among youths. He attributed the recent incidents partly to the return of schools and large youth gatherings, which can sometimes involve substance use.

Interestingly, Turkka observed that the popularity of roadman culture among youth has begun to wane just as swiftly as it emerged, likening the trend to fleeting fandoms akin to those surrounding musical acts. He also highlighted social media’s role in the rapid evolution of youth culture, noting how platforms like TikTok and Telegram facilitate quick dissemination of trends.