Denmark proposes allowing teachers to restrain and remove disruptive pupils from classrooms from August 2027, expanding rules in place since 1967

Denmark’s government has introduced legislation that would let teachers physically intervene when a pupil significantly disrupts lessons, harasses others or poses a danger. From August 2027, staff could hold a pupil, keep them in place or take them to another room against their will; the bill is scheduled for its first parliamentary reading on November 10, 2026.

The Education Ministry says physical intervention must be exceptional, proportionate and used only after less intrusive options have been exhausted. It must be carried out as gently and briefly as possible, and cannot replace care or educational support. The bill also provides for the rules to be evaluated.

Denmark banned corporal punishment and the use of force in schools in 1967, though current rules allow physical intervention when a pupil endangers themselves, other people or property. The proposal would extend the circumstances in which staff may intervene.