Schools in Joensuu and Oulu ban masks amid therians debate

In August, a school in Joensuu banned students from wearing masks, a decision that was also made by a school in Oulu. This action is rooted in the “therian” phenomenon, which has gained attention recently.

A therian is a person who identifies as an animal, with varying degrees of significance to their identity. Social media is filled with videos of young people portraying animals, leading to debates on whether this behavior is merely a playful activity among children. In an interview with Yle Mixin, a sixth grader named Siiri described therians as individuals who feel a connection to nature or possess an animal soul. This phenomenon often involves the use of animal-themed masks or engaging in “quadrobicking,” which involves moving on all fours, and includes its own unique vocabulary.

Historian Liisa Kaski noted that the concept of people identifying as animals is not new, and has been present throughout history. Many children display a natural curiosity towards animals, leading to both fascinating similarities and distinct differences among them.

Recently, the ban on masks has sparked discussions. The school in Joensuu justified the rule by emphasizing the importance of creating a psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe environment, particularly for younger students who may find masks frightening. Kaisa Önlen, an expert in digital youth work from the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, highlighted that being a therian can help alleviate stress and promote positive feelings in young people when they express themselves creatively. Conversely, some individuals have reported experiencing bullying related to their therian identity.