Denmark proposes allowing teachers to use physical force against disruptive students

A center-left coalition in Denmark has proposed a controversial reform that would allow teachers to use physical intervention to manage students under strictly defined conditions. The initiative, supported by the Social Democrats, the Socialist People's Party, the Social Liberal Party, and the Moderates, aims to address rising levels of violence and severe disruptions in classrooms.

Since 1967, physical punishment has been prohibited in Danish schools. The new proposal would expand existing authorities, allowing teachers to gently restrain or remove students from the classroom if they pose a danger to themselves or others, or if they significantly disrupt lessons through behavior such as bullying or persistent defiance.

The proposal follows data from the Danish Ministry of Education and research by organizations like Epinion and Als Research, which indicated that physical violence was recorded in more than 55 percent of classes over the past year. While proponents argue the measure provides necessary legal protection and tools for educators, critics warn it may normalize violence within the educational system.