Denmark proposes law allowing teachers to use physical force on disruptive students
The Danish government has introduced a bill permitting teachers to physically restrain pupils who seriously disrupt class or assault others, positioning force as a last resort.
A new draft law presented to Denmark's parliament would authorize teachers to use physical force against pupils who significantly disturb lessons or attack classmates, but only after other methods have failed. The centre-left coalition ministries argue the rule offers clear guidance and protects educators from uncertainty in violent situations. Data from the Ministry indicate that more than one-quarter of teachers perceive increasing violence, and a Berlingske study reports over half of classes experienced some aggression in the previous year.
Teacher unions are split: the Danish Teachers' Union welcomes the bill as a legal safeguard, whereas other educators and experts fear it could erode classroom trust. Education minister Magnus Heunicke stresses that teachers should not fear repercussions for intervening when needed. If passed, the law would expand the limited circumstances under which teachers may physically restrain students, reversing a ban that has been in place for about six decades.
Why it matters
The bill could reshape discipline practices in Danish schools and affect teacher-student relations nationwide.
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