Denmark school discipline reform proposal

The Danish government has introduced a legislative proposal to allow teachers to use physical force or intervention to manage disruptive or violent students. The reform follows reports from the Danish working environment authority indicating a rise in classroom aggression, with one in five classrooms experiencing violence directed at educators.

Under the proposed rules, which are intended to take effect in August 2027, teachers could physically restrain students, temporarily immobilize them, or forcibly remove them from classrooms in cases of property damage, psychological harassment, or when a student poses a danger to themselves or others. Education Minister Magnus Heunicke stated the goal is to provide clear guidelines so teachers can intervene in escalating situations “without fearing for their employment.” The proposal specifies that any physical contact must be proportional to the severity of the situation and used only after non-intrusive methods are exhausted. The measure is strictly non-punitive and does not authorize corporal punishment, which has been banned in Denmark since 1967.

New data from a Ministry of Education study indicates that physical violence between students was reported in at least 55% of classes in 2025, with monthly incidents occurring in 36% of those classrooms. The Danish Teachers' Union noted that one in three teachers currently avoids physical contact to restore calm due to fear of professional repercussions. While the government aims to restore order, some experts and educators suggest that physical measures may fail to address the root causes of school violence, advocating instead for increased de-escalation training and school social work. Under the new rules, schools would also be required to inform parents and local authorities whenever an intervention occurs.