In this summary are compared the two surveys with same questions. Both have been done by students in the 8th grade. The first was done in March 2019 and the second in March 2021. Altogether 77 of 83 students(93%) in 2019 and 80 of 113 students(71%) in 2021 answered the questions.

The situation in the whole world changed dramatically last spring when Covid-19 spread everywhere. And the situation is still going on. So, it has been interesting to study the results; whether Covid-19 has an impact to the results this year.

It seems that there haven't been any big changes in the lifestyle of the 8th graders during these two years. But maybe some points good to be mentioned.

The students were asked about their eating and sleeping habits, hobbies, the use of mobile phone, relationship with their parents and how they feel at the moment.

Finnish young people seem to eat well and often as it is nationally recommended. In both surveys about 70% of the students say that they eat 4-5 times a day. The only concern is that there is often fast food like pizza, hamburgers etc. on their favourite food lists. But luckily the traditional meatballs, porridge, potatoes etc. are also on the list, especially in the second survey.

When asked about physical exercise almost 50 % of the students in both surveys told that they exercise at least 6 hours a week, which is quite good. But 16 % of the students in the first survey and 21% of the students in the second survey told that they exercise 2 hours or less in a week, which is not good at all. In fact this gives cause of concern because there has been discussion in Finland that the recommendation is at least an hour a day.

During these two years the students seem to have started to sleep less: only 37,5% of the students sleeps 8-9 hours when two years ago the amount was 50% and 20 % of the students sleep 5 hours or less (5% two years ago). This is far too little for children in this age. The question what has changed in their lives would require more research. Maybe it is the situation with the covid-19, maybe not. The situation now is certainly more stressful than two years ago and it surely affecs on sleeping.

The second survey proves the fact we teachers see in every day life. The use of mobile phones has increased a lot during the two years. Two years ago 13 % of the students told that they use their mobile phone more than 6 hours a day while the percentage is now 29. A huge growth! Maybe this is not a surprise because of the social isolation which has come with the covid-19. Of course it impacts also our students.

Most of our students told in both surveys that they have a good or very good relationship with their parents and that they are feeling good. A few of them told in the second survey about the stress and tiredness. Hopefully with the support of the parents and friends the stress will decrease. 

All in all these small surveys prove the importance of good food, good sleep, good exercise and good relationships. And the situation in Alavus secondary school is not bad at all.