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A debate is a formal way of discussing and exchanging views and opinions on a particular topic. Debate topics for kids could be simple, hard, or range from being basic to complicated and intense ones. It may involve two people or many in groups. Children being curious about anything and everything in life may have a gazillion questions about all things happening in the world. Asking questions and participating in interactive sessions, like debates and public speaking engagements, can help satiate a child’s inquisitive mind and express disagreements in a healthy way, apart from boosting their overall development. So, keep reading to explore some age-wise categorized collection of debate topics that will help engage and educate your child.
111 Best Debate Topics For Kids
Participating in debates helps sharpen a child’s ability to put their thoughts into words, boosts their confidence, improves their public speaking skills, and helps them learn to think critically. Debating from a young age also teaches kids how to listen to and respect other people’s perspectives, making them more open-minded as adults.
These debate topics for kids, divided by age, will lay the foundation for active citizens of the future.
Debate Topics For Kids Aged 7 To 9
In this section, we have compiled a list of easy debate topics for kids younger than ten years. These interesting and fun debate topics are perfect for brainstorming and can also be challenging for young minds.
- Are pets helpful or harmful to kids?
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- Should schools have uniforms for all students?
- Teachers or the internet, what is better?
- What are the ideal timings for school? Early in the day, afternoon, or evening?
- Should junk food be banned in schools?
- How long should playtime be in a day?
- Should children be allowed to watch television or not at all?
- Is it important to improve your handwriting?
- Storybooks or cartoon network: which is better?
- Children must make their bed before starting the day.
- Cats are better than dogs.
- Are Disney princesses heroic or not?
- Parents should do the homework given to their children.
- Good habits make a child shine everywhere he/she goes.
- Pets should be allowed in school.
- Should children be allowed to skateboard inside the school?
- Kids must get a longer recess.
- Every girl should have a Barbie doll.
- Santa Claus brings presents only for good children.
- Stuffed toys are only for little kids or girls.
Image: IStock
- Must kids eat healthy food or tasty food?
- Birthday gifts should be special but not expensive.
- Is it okay to eat animals?
- Kids should not have candies at all.
Did you know?Debate Topics For Kids Aged 10 To 12
Here are a few advanced debate topics for pre-teens. Children in this age group start learning various things by observing their surroundings, and these debates could get them excited, as they explore topics that may involve controversy and engage in friendly verbal duels.
- People should stop going to zoos because animals are kept captive. Right or wrong?
- Video games are bad for children.
- Smoking must be banned.
- Digital devices should replace paper and notebooks.
- Is plastic destroying the planet?
- Mothers alone can cook a yummy meal.
- Children should not be given any assignments or homework.
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- Sibling rivalry is normal.
- Tap water or Bottled water, which is better?
- Kids must be taught table manners from a very early age.
- The examination system must be abolished.
- Parents should not question if kids want to attend a sleepover party.
- Kids must be allowed to go to shopping malls without adult supervision.
- Is it okay for kids to participate in beauty pageants?
- Children must be allowed to listen to any music.
- Is it alright to cheat on a test?
- Are headphones good for children?
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- Should bullying be reported immediately?
- Is it safe for kids to use a mobile phone?
- Quiz competitions enhance knowledge.
- Is social media a good or bad influence for kids?
- Should parents have access to the personal diary of kids?
- Are pop icons better role models?
- Is it okay to punish kids?
Image: IStock
Debate Topics For Kids Aged 13 To 15
Good debate topics for teens are thought-provoking and will stimulate them to think from different perspectives. These topics may help them navigate through contention with the help of critical thinking, and foster a healthy conversation by engaging in point-counterpoint arguments.
Ecem Bakran, a college freshman and blogger, shares her experience when she aided students in debate during one of her college projects. She says, “My experience was funny because spending time with children was amazing. We discussed several subjects, such as ‘Which is more important for education? Family or School’, ‘Which one do you prefer? Living in a big city or a village?’… Listening to their ideas about these questions was funny! We had a really good time while we were sharing our ideas… Making debates with 13-year-old children was surprising because even if they are 13 years old and have not joined a debate before (some of them had experience), they surprise me with their intelligence, knowledge, and how they think (i).”
- Sports training should be mandatory for every student.
- Entry to museums should be free of charge.
- Better grades ensure a bright future.
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- Should the governments act on taking measures to tackle global warming or should people change their lifestyle?
- Rich countries must share their wealth with poor and developing countries.
- Schools should stay open all year round.
- Fathers and mothers should share the burden of household chores equally.
- Is animal testing justified?
- Should the Internet be banned from schools?
- Parents must attend a parenting school before planning to give birth to a child.
- Can kids go on a vacation with their friends alone?
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- It is okay for parents to scold their children when their scores are bad.
- Can children get a tattoo?
- Is home-schooling a better choice?
- Movie stars are a bad influence.
- Children must be allowed to wear fashionable clothes at school.
- Does God exist or not?
- Peer pressure has negative effects on children.
- Aliens do not exist.
- Vegan food is better than non-vegan food.
- You need to work hard, not smart, to become successful and make your dreams come true.
- Pocket money spoils children.
- Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
- Schoolkids should not go to the salon for grooming.
Image: IStock
Debate topics for kids aged 16 to 17
Kids aged 16 to 17 are growing and more mature than the younger ones. In this section, we have enumerated topics for debate on a wide range of subjects that encourage open dialogue and refutation to help develop critical thinking and oratory skills.
- Can blind people discriminate or be racists?
- Countries should have a monarchy, not a democracy.
- Android technology is better than iOS.
- The right to vote must be given to younger children too.
- A college degree is the key to a successful life.
Image: IStock
- Parents should have the authority to decide the career path of their children.
Did you know?- Pop stars must retire after they make enough money.
- Political leaders lack moral values.
- Nuclear power is beneficial to the world.
- Affluent countries must welcome refugees.
- Women must have reproductive rights.
- Cheerleaders do not dress decently.
- Should there be laws to control and regulate video/online games?
- Inexpensive prom outfits can make you look ugly.
- Women are better bosses than men.
Image: IStock
- Religious education is important and must be taught in schools.
- Student loans burden children and must be waived off completely.
- Is piracy a crime?
- Unconventional career options are a better choice than the rest.
- Is feminism about equality or equity?
- Is the system of taxation good for the people and the economy?
- Same-sex marriage must be legalized across the globe.
- Is crash dieting safe or unsafe?
- Makeup is harmful to the skin.
Image: IStock
- Borders across the world must be erased.
- Religious institutions must pay taxes.
- Euthanasia is ethical and should be legalized.
- Should there be stringent laws for marital rape?
- Is there a right age to get married?
Controversial Debate Topics For Students
Controversial debate topics enable students to get over their comfort zones. A healthy discussion on these topics also makes them challenge their assumptions. Here is a list of some exciting controversial debate topics for students.
- Is social media doing more harm or good to our society?
- Is it unethical to consume animal meat?
- Are zoos harmful to animals or beneficial?
- Should the school day begin slightly later to make children relax more?
- Is it fine for teenagers to get a tattoo?
- Is it the right time for the government to regulate artificial Intelligence?
- Should the freedom of speech law protect the hate speech?
- Should junk food be fully banned in schools?
- Should schools do away with sex education?
- Should every family have a pet?
Importance of Debate
Debates can be fun! The importance of debate lies in understanding the benefits of participating in a constructive argument. It lets the participants voice their opinions, engage in an exchange of ideas, and express oneself more clearly to persuade others. Some benefits of debates are discussed below. (1) (2)
- Debates improve critical and analytical thinking.
- When participating in a debate as a group, children learn team building skills.
- It can help in enhancing communication skills and speech delivery.
- Debating also enables structuring and categorizing the flow of thoughts effectively.
- During a debate, the child also needs to listen before deciding to accept or reject the other person’s point of view. This helps in building patience and improves listening skills. It also encourages an open and accepting mindset.
- No debate has a definite ending, and debates teach us to have a more balanced approach. Everything in this world has various aspects to it and with that come numerous perceptions.
- Debates can develop confidence and teach kids to maintain poise while arguing.
- Kids engage in innovative thinking when they participate in such thought-provoking activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I teach kids to debate?
By following these simple steps, you can help the children develop important skills such as communication, critical thinking, and research while having fun:
- Build a strong foundation
- Engage their interests
- Encourage research and preparation
- Structure the debate
- Foster critical thinking
- Offer constructive feedback
By keeping the focus on having fun and developing important skills, you can make the debate process enjoyable.
2. What is the first rule of debate?
The debate should begin with a powerful affirmative opening statement. This initial presentation should energetically express support for the motion, briefly summarize the key points, and showcase two to three persuasive arguments.
3. How to structure a debate for kids?
Organizing a kids’ debate involves vital steps. First, choose an interesting and age-appropriate topic. Divide participants into two teams to ensure balanced viewpoints. Set clear time limits for each segment. Incorporate a Q&A session or break time for audience participation. Finally, end with a summary of the main points and a friendly closing statement to foster inclusivity.
4. How to make a debate fun and engaging for kids?
To ensure a fun and engaging debate experience for children, choose relevant and interesting topics. Incorporate interactive activities, such as mini-games or challenges to break the monotony. Celebrate their efforts and achievements, emphasizing the importance of learning and participation rather than just winning.
5. What challenges might kids face when participating in debates?
Kids may face difficulties participating in debates, including stage fear, limited research, organizing thoughts, expressing themselves effectively, countering arguments, managing time, handling unexpected questions, and maintaining a constructive tone. Developing these skills requires guidance and practice.
A debate is a smart way to teach children to understand perspectives and respect others’ opinions. A debate being a formal discussion teaches children to curate and filter their thoughts before expressing them. If you have been trying to find ways to improve these and also communication skills among your children, we suggest you give these debate topics for kids a try. Most children are familiar with them and may already have an opinion. Provide your child a platform to discuss their concerns through a debate. Now that you have this list, host a debate for your child to hone their creativity. Although we have listed many topics, feel free to diversify them to suit your preferences.
Infographic: Letting Your Children Debate
Learning to reason their opinions and thoughts with facts is essential for children to communicate better and effectively. So, if you want your child to be confident while speaking in schools or a gathering in front of their peers or family members, these debate topics can help hone their skills. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
If you want to recommend any kid-friendly topics for debates, please list them in the comment section below.
Key Pointers
- Debates are an interesting way to engage and educate the kids.
- Pick a debate topic as per your kid’s age group and interests, and help improve their listening and communication skills.
Illustration: Interesting Debate Topics For Kids: Age Wise
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Get your children to question and challenge their existing beliefs about technology, environment, and education with these 130 interesting debate topics for children of all age groups.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My Debate Experience.https://mydebateexperience.wordpress.com/
References
1. The Benefits of Debate
2. Ronald D. Vale; The value of asking questions; American Society for Cell Biology (2013)
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