The Danish government will launch an investigation into violence in elementary schools following a proposal by center-right opposition parties prompted by reports of escalating ethnic-related issues. Minister of Education Mattias Tesfaye aims to begin the work within months, marking a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the problem.

Despite widespread agreement on the need for violence-free schools, disagreements arose among political parties regarding the investigation’s scope and methodology. The decision to conduct the investigation was met with resistance, highlighting a reluctance to confront the issue directly.

The Moderates expressed concerns that a large-scale investigation could hinder immediate action, while The Social Liberals, through education spokesperson Lotte Rod, cautioned that it could worsen the problem. Rod argued that registering violent incidents could reinforce negative perceptions of the children involved, suggesting a denial of the reality and severity of the situation.

Critics argue that avoiding clear definitions of violence and failing to identify perpetrators and victims undermines the perception of reality. The debate sparked by Rod’s remarks ultimately led to a consensus within the Committee on Children and Education, paving the way for the Ministry of Education to develop an investigation plan.

The settlement circle, comprising the involved parties, must approve the investigation design. There is hope that the initial resistance and denial will not resurface during the approval process, allowing for a thorough and unbiased examination of the issue.