Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's prime minister, in Parliament, Copenhagen, October 8, 2026. THOMAS TRAASDAHL/AFP
The reform introduced by the center-left government in Copenhagen on Thursday, October 8, is likely one of the most controversial in Danish education in recent years. Nearly 60 years after Denmark banned corporal punishment and the use of force in schools in 1967, the Scandinavian country plans to allow teachers to use physical restraint to remove disruptive students as of August 2027.
The current legislation only allows teachers to use force if a student poses a danger to themselves, others, or school property. The teachers' union (Danmarks Lærerforening) has long called for greater flexibility, arguing that it is increasingly difficult to manage students who disturb class and refuse to keep quiet or leave when asked.
The proposed law would allow teachers to physically intervene if a student harasses or insults others, or "significantly" disrupts lessons. Teachers would be allowed to "hold a student, keep them in place, or take them to another room against their will." Examples given include: "If a student throws food during a home economics class and, despite repeated warnings, continues or refuses to leave the room when asked." Or, "if a student listens to loud music on their phone" and "refuses to turn it off or hand over the device."
