Finnish parents allow their children to become independent too early, says the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare. Parents often bend to the will of their adolescents, says the organisation.
The Midsummer holiday is one instance when many teens stay behind at home when their parents travel to summer cottages. Many parents falsely trust that their children will manage on their own.
Experts demand parents take a hard line on enforcing teens' participation in family events.
"Parents have to be parents and draw boundaries," says Marie Rautava, a psychologist at the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare. Teens may not be ready for the independence that they want.
Rautava says it's difficult to determine the exact age at which children can stay home alone over the weekend. An empty house can be frightening even for a 16-year-old, says Rautava.
Children often spend long hours alone at home in the summer.
"Summertime sees a surge in calls from children to the league's hotlines. Children are restless and nervous and don't know what to do," tells Rautava.