Norway's school-leaving traditions, particularly the bustling russebuss parties, are under intense scrutiny as debates arise over their excessive nature. Each year, thousands of students in red overalls, known as russ, celebrate their graduation with parties that kick off weeks before final exams are even completed.
Selma Jenvin-Steinsvag, 18, and her classmate Aksel were spotted rushing to catch the Oslo metro, caught up in the excitement of being close to finishing school. The playful atmosphere surrounding these events, especially in the lead-up to Norway's national day on May 17, symbolizes a rite of passage. Yet, the trend of celebrations starting significantly earlier—often leading to heavy drinking and drug use—has raised alarms among parents and public officials alike.
19-year-old Edvard Aanestad encapsulates the vibe, saying, “It’s a party bus! We go out every night for a month, we get drunk, we’re partying with our friends and it’s just fun!” Yet, this fun comes at a cost; students frequently incur debts renting and outfitting their party buses. The situation has evolved to mirror a cycle of peer pressure, with many students feeling compelled to join in despite financial constraints.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has acknowledged the issue, asserting that the culture surrounding the russebuss has "spun out of control." Alongside concerns about the wellbeing of youths, parents like Solveig Haukenes Aase also express worries over the celebrations spilling into middle schools, influencing even younger children. Collaborating with other parents, she has pushed for a safer environment for young people, reflecting a growing consensus among educators that the traditions are impacting school standards.
Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun echoed similar sentiments, noting that ties between exam periods and celebrations contribute to declining academic performance, urging a need for reform to mitigate exclusivity linked to high costs and peer pressures.
Reforms for future celebrations are in the pipeline, with plans to shift festivities to after exam periods while maintaining the essence of graduation celebrations. Ivar Brandvol, an observer of the tradition, notes that the initial significance of the russebuss has morphed. What once involved school-wide participation has turned into exclusive group parties, often financially burdensome for those involved.
Norway's government is not taking these matters lightly; safety is also a prime concern concerning celebrating on moving buses. Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygard articulated the urgency to eliminate unsafe conditions associated with current bus designs.
However, students like Edvard and his friend Henrik feel that proposed changes might not effectively combat issues of social exclusion and instead could deepen the divide. They argue that the community and solidarity formed within these groups are vital aspects of their special celebration, and excessive regulation of the buses could exacerbate feelings of exclusion for those unable to participate financially.
As Norway wrestles with how to balance celebration, safety, and inclusivity, the traditional russebuss remains a contentious symbol of youth culture and its challenges.
