Teachers in Denmark Granted Right to Use Physical Force to Maintain Classroom Order

Starting in August 2027, teachers in Denmark will be authorized to forcibly remove students who disrupt lessons and to use physical force when necessary. This new measure was introduced in response to rising violence and aggressive behavior among students in the country's schools, as well as the challenges teachers face in maintaining order.

According to the bill drafted by the Ministry of Education, physical force may be used only in exceptional cases and when the situation demands it. The student's parents and the municipal council must be notified of each such incident.

It is reported that in 2025, instances of physical violence among students were observed in 55 percent of Danish classrooms. This figure stood at 75 percent for classes up to the 3rd grade, 59 percent for grades 4–6, and 27 percent for grades 7–10. Survey results indicated that in 60 percent of the classrooms where violence occurred, the incidents were caused by just one or two students.