Denmark proposes law allowing teachers to use physical force

The Danish government has proposed a new bill that would allow teachers to use physical force to manage disruptive students. The reform aims to restore order and safety in schools following reports of rising violence against educators.

Under the proposed legislation, teachers could physically restrain a student or forcibly remove them from a classroom if they refuse to leave, pose a danger to themselves or others, or cause significant disruption to lessons. This includes instances of property damage or psychological harassment. Education Minister Magnus Heunicke stated the goal is to provide teachers with clear rules so they can intervene in escalating situations without fearing for their employment.

Data from the Danish working environment authority indicates a significant rise in classroom aggression, with more than a quarter of teachers reporting increased violent behavior and one in five classrooms experiencing violence directed at educators. If passed by Parliament, Denmark would join a small number of European nations, such as England, that permit reasonable physical force for maintaining classroom discipline.