Government proposes wider rules for teachers’ physical intervention

The Danish government wants teachers to be allowed to physically intervene when a pupil significantly disrupts lessons, and the proposal is due for its first reading in the Danish parliament today, DR reports.

Under current rules, teachers may physically intervene if a pupil poses a danger to themselves or others. The bill would also allow intervention when a pupil seriously disrupts teaching and repeated verbal attempts to stop them have failed.

Physical intervention would still be a last resort. “Teachers should not be in any doubt about what they may do when a situation escalates,” Education Minister Magnus Heunicke said.