A comprehensive investigation into the extent of violence and abuse in Danish primary schools is still pending, more than a year after a chilling exposé about Borup School sparked national concern. Despite initial demands for quick action, a subsequent investigation by the Danish Association of Municipalities (KL) is considered far from thorough, leaving key questions unanswered.

The issue gained renewed attention following a survey conducted by Berlingske in collaboration with the Danish Teachers’ Association, revealing that 58 percent of nearly 10,000 primary school teachers have observed an increase in violence over the past five years. Data from 355 primary schools further indicated 1,778 student expulsions in the last two years, predominantly due to violence.

Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye acknowledged that the ministry lacked sufficient information on the matter initially, and while the KL investigation provided some insight, it fell short of a comprehensive understanding. Internal documents reveal that some municipal leaders resisted a large-scale investigation, fearing it would stigmatize children and professionals.

The KL’s six-page note, presented as a “reality check,” concluded that a general increase in serious cases could not be identified based on available data. However, it also noted a trend of more students exhibiting acting-out behavior, particularly in early grades. The methodology involved individual interviews and dialogue with representatives from ten municipalities, but no minutes were taken, and the basis for the assessment regarding serious cases remains unclear.

Several political parties, including the Liberal Alliance and the Conservatives, are now calling for a thorough national investigation to map the extent and nature of violence in schools, including the ethnicity of violent students. These parties have jointly submitted a motion for a resolution to conduct such an investigation.

While the Education Minister has expressed support for investigating the problem, he prefers to address it within the settlement circle behind the primary school, which includes government parties, the Radical Left, the Conservatives, the Danish People’s Party, and the Liberal Alliance. A decision on whether to launch a comprehensive investigation is expected soon.