Denmark Moves to Let Teachers Use Physical Force on Disruptive Pupils

Denmark plans to allow teachers to use physical force to maintain order in schools for the first time in nearly 60 years, under a reform bill introduced in Copenhagen on October 8, 2026. The proposal would let teachers hold a disruptive pupil, keep them in place or move them to another room against their will from August 2027 — a major shift from rules in place since Denmark banned corporal punishment and the use of force in schools in 1967.

Denmark schools physical force: what the bill proposes

Under current legislation, Danish teachers may use force only if a student poses a danger to themselves, others or school property. The proposed law would widen that to situations where a student harasses or insults others, or “significantly” disrupts lessons. The Ministry of Education gave examples: a student who throws food during a home economics class and, despite repeated warnings, refuses to leave the room when asked — or a student who plays loud music on a phone and refuses to turn it off or hand over the device.

The ministry stressed that physical intervention would only be permitted “in exceptional cases” and must “never replace care and educational action.” Teachers would be expected to prioritise less restrictive measures, such as dialogue or guiding a student away from a conflict, whenever possible.

Why the change is being proposed

The government points to rising reports of violent and disruptive behaviour in schools. Figures presented by the Ministry of Education show that more than one in four teachers believe such behaviour has worsened at their school, while violence against teachers has reportedly occurred in one in five classrooms. A ministry survey published on October 1 found that physical violence between pupils had been reported at least once in 55% of classes during 2025, with incidents occurring at least monthly in 36% of those classes.

Education Minister Magnus Heunicke said teachers needed clear guidance when classroom situations escalate. “Teachers must not be left in doubt about what they are allowed to do when a situation escalates,” he said, adding that “no teacher should fear being fired for stepping in when necessary in a violent situation.”

Teachers’ union backs clearer rules

The Danish Union of Teachers has long argued it is increasingly difficult to manage students who disturb class and refuse to keep quiet or leave when asked. A recent study found that 43% of class teachers said broader powers to intervene physically would help them deal with future incidents, while 78% said more teaching hours with two adults present in the classroom would leave them better prepared.

The government says it plans to allocate DKK 5 billion (about €669 million) a year to a broader package covering schools, children, daycare and leisure services, partly to make two-adult classrooms more common. “School should not be a place where either pupils or teachers are afraid to be. Period,” Heunicke said of the scale of violence reported.

Current law vs. the proposed reform

Conclusion

The proposal marks the most significant change to classroom discipline rules in Denmark in nearly six decades. Whether it brings clearer boundaries for teachers or opens a wider debate about children’s rights will become clearer as the bill moves through parliament — but the government has framed it as clarification, not punishment, with strict limits and mandatory reporting built in.

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For more on Danish government policy this autumn, read: Denmark’s 2027 Budget Proposal: Tax Cuts, Free Transport for Under-22s, Defence at 3.5% of GDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Denmark’s new school bill propose?

It would allow teachers to use physical force — such as holding a pupil, keeping them in place or moving them to another room — when a student harasses or insults others or significantly disrupts lessons.

When would the new rules take effect?

The reform was introduced on October 8, 2026, and is planned to take effect in August 2027.

What safeguards does the bill include?

Force would be permitted only in exceptional cases, must be as gentle and brief as possible, must respect each student’s personal integrity, must never replace care and educational action, and parents plus the municipal council must be informed whenever it is used.

What does the teachers’ union say?

Danmarks Lærerforening, the national teachers’ union, has long called for greater flexibility, arguing it is increasingly difficult to manage pupils who disturb class and refuse to keep quiet or leave when asked.