30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics For High School Students

Are you searching for thought-provoking and engaging debate topics for your students? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 159 very good debate topics that will challenge and stimulate discussions in your classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, these topics will surely pique your interest and inspire critical thinking.

Debate Topics For Students

In this section, we will explore a variety of controversial debate topics that are perfect for students to discuss and analyze. These topics range from issues within schools such as cell phone usage and dress codes, to larger societal issues like social media’s impact and the death penalty.

Each sub-section will provide thought-provoking debate questions and keywords to help guide the discussion. So whether you’re looking for an ESL activity or a stimulating classroom debate, these topics are sure to engage and challenge your students.

1. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?

  • Research the Policy: Investigate the cell phone policy in both public and private schools to understand the current regulations.
  • Evaluate the Pros and Cons: Consider the impact of cell phone usage on student learning, safety, and social interactions.
  • Collect Data: Gather statistics and studies about cell phone usage in schools to support your arguments.
  • Consider Alternative Perspectives: Explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and students through debate questions on platforms like Kialo Edu .

Pro-tip: Use this topic as an engaging ESL activity by encouraging students to debate the issue using their English language skills and critical thinking abilities.

2. Is Social Media More Harmful Than Beneficial?

Social media’s impact on mental health is a topic of concern, particularly among younger individuals. The debate on whether social media is more harmful than beneficial raises significant points.

Users, including white people and individuals of other races , are affected by cyberbullying and negative self-comparison. On the other hand, it provides connectivity and a platform for activism. Balancing these aspects is crucial.

3. Should Schools Implement Dress Codes?

  • Public schools: Assess the existing dress code, gather feedback, and involve students in the decision-making process.
  • Private schools: Research the rationale behind dress codes, evaluate the impact on students, and consider alternative approaches.

When debating this topic, students can explore the impact of dress codes on self-expression, examine cultural and gender implications, and discuss the balance between individual freedom and school discipline.

For ESL activities, encourage students to articulate their viewpoints, use debate questions from educational platforms like Kialo Edu, and foster critical thinking skills.

4. Is Homework Necessary?

For the debate topic ‘Is Homework Necessary?’ considering teens’ daily leisure time is crucial. College Vine suggests that homework should be meaningful, original, and not just busy work. Public libraries are excellent resources for teens to conduct research and gather evidence to support their arguments on this topic. Understanding how homework affects teens’ lives is essential, as it sparks interest and impacts their academic performance.

5. Should The Voting Age Be Lowered To 16?

In Scotland, the voting age for Scottish Parliament and local council elections was lowered to 16 in 2015. It allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the Scottish independence referendum, marking a historic democratic expansion. Should other countries model after this?

  • Research the current voting age laws in your country.
  • Understand the impact of lowering the voting age on government structure and policies.
  • Consider the maturity and responsibility levels of 16-year-olds in making informed decisions concerning national matters.
  • Analyze the potential implications of the voting age on other age-restricted activities, such as same-sex marriage and drug legalization.
  • Review case studies from countries where the voting age has been lowered to 16.

6. Is Climate Change A Hoax?

Climate change is not a hoax, evidenced by scientific consensus and observable phenomena. In the United States, government structures have implemented policies to mitigate its impact. This topic sparks intense debate, reflecting the relevance of environmental issues. Just as same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and other controversial topics, the urgency of climate change demands attention.

The relevance of the topic is crucial, influencing its significance in modern discourse.

7. Should The Death Penalty Be Abolished?

  • Research the history and impact of the death penalty on society.
  • Evaluate the ethical and moral implications of capital punishment.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
  • Consider the financial and social implications, such as the cost of legal proceedings and the impact on families.
  • Examine the societal impact, including potential biases in sentencing and the concept of rehabilitation.
  • Explore the concept of a livable wage and its implications for society.

8. Is Gun Control Necessary?

Yes, gun control is essential for public safety and crime prevention. It’s a hotly debated issue in the United States due to its government structure and constitutional rights. Finding a balanced approach is crucial, similar to the deliberation on same-sex marriage or the legalization of drugs.

One true story that aligns with this discourse is the advocacy for stricter gun regulations following tragic mass shootings, reflecting the ongoing debate on this pivotal topic.

9. Should College Education Be Free?

Whether college education should be free is an engaging debate topic for students. Considering College Vine data, 79% of teens love to know they can access higher education without financial constraints. It’s a pertinent topic, given that students spend their daily leisure time at public libraries , and original sources indicate the rising cost of tuition. To encourage critical thinking, students can research and organize arguments, preparing for an insightful discussion.

10. Is Online Learning As Effective As Traditional Classroom Learning? (Keywords

The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning has been a topic of debate. Both methods have their own advantages, with online learning offering flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of resources.

Traditional classroom learning , however, allows for face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback. The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on individual learning styles, subjects, and teaching approaches.

11. Universal Basic Income (UBI)

The debate over Universal Basic Income (UBI) centers on whether providing a fixed income to all citizens, regardless of employment status, is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality. Proponents argue that UBI can offer financial security and address economic disparities, while opponents express concerns about feasibility, economic sustainability, and potential disincentives to work.

12. Climate Change Policies

This debate delves into the adequacy of current global initiatives to combat climate change. Advocates argue for more ambitious policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental issues, while skeptics may question the feasibility, economic impact, and effectiveness of proposed measures.

13. Is the trade-off between convenience and online privacy justified in the digital age?

The debate on online privacy revolves around the balance between the convenience of digital services and the protection of individuals’ privacy.

Supporters of a more permissive approach argue that convenience is essential for technological advancements, while privacy advocates stress the importance of safeguarding personal data in an era of increasing digital connectivity.

14. School Uniforms need to be enforced for students benefits

Supporters argue that uniforms promote equality and reduce distractions, while opponents emphasize the importance of students’ freedom to express themselves through clothing.

15. Censorship in the Arts

Should there be limits on artistic expression, and to what extent should art and media be censored Advocates for censorship may emphasize societal values and protecting audiences, while opponents argue for artistic freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in creative works.

16. Social Media Regulation

Should governments regulate social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy? Supporters of regulation highlight the need to curb the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy, while opponents may express concerns about potential infringements on free speech and innovation.

17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Are genetically modified foods safe for consumption, and should they be more widely embraced to address global food security? The discussion on GMOs focuses on the safety of genetically modified foods and their role in addressing global food security. Advocates argue that GMOs offer solutions to food scarcity and agricultural challenges, while critics raise concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

18. Mandatory Voting

Proponents argue that mandatory voting ensures broader representation and a more engaged electorate, while opponents may express concerns about individual freedoms and the potential for uninformed voting.

19. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Should there be ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of artificial intelligence The discussion on artificial intelligence delves into the ethical implications of AI development and use.

Advocates for regulation stress the need to address potential risks, biases, and accountability issues, while proponents of a less restrictive approach may emphasize the benefits of technological advancement and innovation.

20. Affirmative Action

Is affirmative action in college admissions a fair and effective way to address historical inequalities?

Affirmative action is a contentious policy that seeks to redress historical disadvantages faced by certain groups. The debate centers on whether this approach is justifiable and successful in promoting diversity in educational institutions or if alternative methods should be considered to address inequality.

21. Space Exploration Funding

Should governments invest more in space exploration, or should those funds be allocated to address pressing issues on Earth?

The allocation of resources for space exploration is a perennial debate. Advocates argue that space exploration drives scientific innovation, while opponents question the prioritization of these endeavors over more immediate and pressing concerns on Earth. This debate delves into the balance between advancing human knowledge and addressing critical issues on our planet.

22. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Should individuals have the right to choose euthanasia or assisted suicide when facing terminal illnesses?The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide revolves around individual autonomy, the sanctity of life, and medical ethics.

This debate explores the extent to which individuals should have the right to make end-of-life decisions, considering the implications for personal autonomy, medical ethics, and societal values.

23. Animal Testing

Using animals in scientific research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the necessity of such practices. Advocates argue that animal testing is crucial for medical advancements, while opponents advocate for developing and implementing alternative methods.

This debate delves into the balance between scientific progress and the ethical treatment of animals. Is animal testing justified for scientific and medical research, or should alternative methods be prioritized?

24. What level of gun control is appropriate to balance public safety with individual rights?

Gun control debates revolve around finding a balance between individual rights to bear arms and the need to ensure public safety. Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that they are necessary to reduce gun violence, while opponents emphasize the importance of protecting individual liberties. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between personal freedoms and societal safety.

25. How should the education system be reformed to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

The ongoing debate on education reform centers on the need to adapt traditional educational models to meet the demands of the 21st century. Discussions often revolve around curriculum changes, the integration of technology, and the fostering of critical thinking skills. This debate explores how educational systems can evolve to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

26. Should countries have more open or restrictive immigration policies, and how should they address the refugee crisis?

Immigration policies are a global issue, with debates surrounding national security, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations. Advocates for more open policies emphasize cultural diversity and economic benefits, while those favoring restrictions focus on cesources and national identity. This debate delves into the complex balance between humanitarian efforts and national interests.

27. To what extent does the use of social media contribute to or alleviate mental health issues among young people?

The pervasive use of social media among young people has sparked discussions about its impact on mental health. Advocates argue that social media provides a platform for connection and support, while critics highlight its potential adverse effects, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic body image standards. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental well-being.

28. Is nuclear energy a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels, or should we focus more on renewable energy sources?

The debate on nuclear energy centers on its potential as a clean energy source and concerns about safety and environmental impact.

Advocates argue that atomic energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while opponents express reservations about the potential for accidents and the long-term effects of nuclear waste. This debate explores the trade-offs between addressing climate change and ensuring energy production safety.

29. Should the start times of high schools be adjusted to better align with students’ sleep patterns and well-being 

The debate on school start times revolves around the impact of early start times on students’ sleep patterns and overall well-being. Advocates for later start times argue that they contribute to improved academic performance and mental health, while opponents question the logistical challenges and potential disruptions to family schedules. This debate explores the intersection of education and student health.

30. Privacy vs. Security – What should be our focus?

Balancing individual privacy rights with national security measures in the age of technology. Advocates tend to argue that privacy is a fundamental human right that should be protected against unwarranted intrusion.

Proponents emphasize the necessity of robust security measures to safeguard citizens from various threats, including terrorism and cyberattacks.

Where can I find varied viewpoints on controversial issues?

Websites like 5 Star Essays and The Top Tens offer lists of debate topics with varied viewpoints. You can also look for articles and resources from reputable sources to gather different perspectives on an issue.

Can students participate in group discussions on controversial issues?

Yes, group discussions can be a great way for students to explore controversial issues and hear different perspectives. You can facilitate a respectful and productive discussion by setting ground rules and actively listening to others’ viewpoints.

Key Takeaways:

  • Debate allows students to explore varied viewpoints and engage in ongoing discussions, providing a valuable learning experience for both public and private school students.
  • Debate helps students develop critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in important discussions on social topics such as drug tests and government assistance.
  • Preparation is key for a successful debate – from choosing a topic and conducting research to organizing arguments and practicing delivery. Debate topics range from controversial issues to everyday concerns like cell phones in schools and homework.

That’s it for our guide on broad, controversial debate topics that are good for students. You can delve into each topic in more detail and of course adjust each debate topic for relevance and appropriateness depending on the maturity and age of your students.

educational topics for debate

Editorial Staff

  • Grades 6-12
  • School Leaders

Get Your Free 21st Century Timeline Poster ✨

125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

educational topics for debate

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

  • Controversial Debate Topics
  • It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
  • Homework should be banned.
  • Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
  • We should punish students for using curse words.
  • Year-round school is better for students.

Year-round school is better for students.- middle school debate topics

  • Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
  • All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
  • Junk food should be banned in schools.
  • All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
  • Single-gender schools are better for students.
  • Math is the most important school subject.
  • Letter grades should be abolished.
  • Teachers should be replaced by computers.
  • Students should be graded on their handwriting.
  • Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
  • Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
  • Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
  • Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
  • Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
  • Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

Schools should give middle school students more recess time.- middle school debate topics

  • The school day should be shorter.
  • Schools should eliminate dress codes.
  • College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
  • Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
  • Book smarts are better than street smarts.
  • All people should have free internet access.
  • Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
  • Reality television depicts real life.
  • The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

  • Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
  • Macs are better than PCs.
  • Androids are better than iPhones.
  • Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
  • Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
  • Social media does more harm than good.
  • Video games are better than board games.
  • Reading books is better than watching TV.
  • All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
  • Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
  • Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
  • Playing video games makes you smarter.

Playing video games makes you smarter.- middle school debate topics

  • Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
  • Paper books are better than e-books.
  • Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
  • Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
  • Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
  • People have a responsibility to help one another out.
  • No one should ever tell a lie.
  • Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
  • We should lower the voting age to 12.
  • Every member of a family should have daily chores.
  • All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
  • All people should be vegetarians.

All people should be vegetarians.

  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • All Americans should be required to vote.
  • Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
  • Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
  • Giving is better than receiving.
  • Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
  • Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
  • Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
  • We should not keep animals in zoos.
  • All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
  • Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
  • Happiness is more important than success.
  • The driving age should be lowered to 14.

The driving age should be lowered to 14.- middle school debate topics

  • We should completely ban plastic bottles.
  • Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
  • If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
  • It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
  • All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
  • Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
  • It’s important to spend money exploring space.
  • All families should have a pet.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • Summer is better than winter.
  • Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
  • Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
  • Clowns are more scary than funny.
  • Every home should have a robot.
  • There is intelligent life on other planets.

There is intelligent life on other planets.

  • The egg came before the chicken.
  • Pop music is better than classical music.
  • Xbox is better than PlayStation.
  • Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
  • Football is better than soccer.
  • Everyone should make their bed every day.
  • It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
  • Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
  • Pluto should still be considered a planet.
  • Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
  • Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
  • Fruit counts as dessert.
  • People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
  • Fiction is better than nonfiction.

Fiction is better than non-fiction.

  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
  • Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

  • We should abolish the death penalty.
  • Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
  • It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
  • Segregation still exist in the United States.
  • Religion does more harm than good.
  • We will never achieve world peace.
  • We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

We shouldn't allow young children to play contact sports like football.

  • Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
  • Beauty pageants are sexist.
  • Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
  • It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
  • Some stereotypes are accurate.
  • People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
  • War is sometimes necessary.
  • There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
  • Security is more important than freedom.
  • We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
  • Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
  • Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

  • Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
  • All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
  • We should ban testing on animals.
  • We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
  • Human cloning should be legal.
  • Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

Looking for debate topics for middle school and junior high students? This roundup ranges from lighthearted to serious, ideal for any class.

You Might Also Like

Image of the debate graphic organizer and debate rules

Debate Graphic Organizer (Free Printables)

Help students keep track of their ideas during argumentative writing or debate lessons. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

The Edvocate

  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
  • Write For Us
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Assistive Technology
  • Best PreK-12 Schools in America
  • Child Development
  • Classroom Management
  • Early Childhood
  • EdTech & Innovation
  • Education Leadership
  • First Year Teachers
  • Gifted and Talented Education
  • Special Education
  • Parental Involvement
  • Policy & Reform
  • Best Colleges and Universities
  • Best College and University Programs
  • HBCU’s
  • Higher Education EdTech
  • Higher Education
  • International Education
  • The Awards Process
  • Finalists and Winners of The 2023 Tech Edvocate Awards
  • Award Seals
  • GPA Calculator for College
  • GPA Calculator for High School
  • Cumulative GPA Calculator
  • Grade Calculator
  • Weighted Grade Calculator
  • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • AI Powered Personal Tutor

Teaching Students About the Myths of Icarus

Jared burns, inside the fall of columbia university’s president, nemat shafik, 6 ways to set boundaries for better work-life balance, slower start to clearing, but a long way to go yet, aaup faces criticism for reversal on academic boycotts, australian voters ‘value international students’ as caps near, indiana will keep a version of the academic honors diploma after public outcry, supreme court, for now, blocks protections for transgender students in some states, 120 debate topics for high and middle school students.

educational topics for debate

Are you looking for debate topics for your middle and high school students? Well, you have come to the right place. Check out our list of 120 debate topics for middle and high school students.

General Debate Topics 

  • Should we ban homework: does homework promote learning?
  • How essential is a college education?
  • Banning mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones) at schools: yes or no?
  • Is it appropriate to allow students to create their own curricula?
  • Is abortion murder?
  • Are violent video games appropriate entertainment for teenagers?
  • Does social media contribute to teenage suicide?
  • Does modern social media make people less socially active?
  • How should modern society respond to teenage pregnancies?
  • Is higher education a necessary prerequisite for an individual’s financial success in the future?

Topics Related to Education

  • Are private schools better than public schools?
  • Should education be privatized entirely?
  • Are student loans exploitative?
  • Does the traditional classroom address contemporary society’s needs?
  • Is allowing teachers to carry guns on campuses a good idea?
  • Does the contemporary grading system work?
  • Should college education be compulsory?
  • Is it appropriate to teach religion in schools?
  • Is homeschooling better than a public or private school education?
  • Is it fair to require that all students learn at least one foreign language?

Social Debate Topics

  • Does the contemporary policing of marginalized communities in the United States contribute to the criminalization of youth?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished in the United States?
  • Is it ethical to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy?
  • Does peer pressure absolve deliquent teens from cupabilty?
  • Will electronic databases fully substitute brick and mortar libraries?
  • Is cloning ethically acceptable?
  • Is the legalization of marijuana a food idea?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Is there any reason to raise minimum wages?
  • Drug addicts: Do they need help or punishment?
  • Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous in the context of globalization?

Environmental Issues

  • Is climate change already irreversible?
  • Banning plastic bags and packaging: yes or no?
  • Are genetically modified foods a viable solution?
  • Banning zoos: yes or no?
  • How does tourism affect the environment?
  • Should there be more national parks in the United States?
  • Is banning fracking a good idea?
  • All people should become vegetarian.
  • What is organic farming’s role in agriculture’s future?
  • Are live animal exports ethically acceptable?

Political Debate Topics

  • Political campaigns should not be allowed to accept money from.
  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • Is it appropriate for governments to limit their citizens’ freedom of speech?
  • Are taxes that increase at accelerating rates fair?
  • Limiting terms for U.S. senators and representatives brings more harm than good.
  • Former offenders should preserve their voting rights.
  • Modern patterns of incarceration that affect minorities more than whites contribute to racial inequality in the US.
  • Is it necessary for a political leader to be active on social media?
  • Is the US Constitution a living document?
  • Should the Supreme Court judges be appointed for predetermined fixed periods?

Debate Topics Related to Parenting

  • Should children use smartphones without parental supervision?
  • Teenage girls having access to birth control without parental supervision: yes or no?
  • Should parents decide which career their children will pursue?
  • Parents always treat their children fairly: yes or no?
  • Is it ethically permissible for parents to  pick the genders of their future children?
  • Gay couples are adopting children: pros and cons.
  • Should parents control their children’s activities on social media?
  • Is parental supervision the same as parental control?
  • Teenage children and completely autonomous decision-making: should parents allow this?
  • Is parental support essential for the future success of children?

Technology Topics

  • Will technology make people smarter?
  • Is artificial intelligence dangerous?
  • Will robots increase people’s quality of life?
  • How do technological advances influence us?
  • Will humans colonize another planet soon?
  • Can all cars become electric?
  • Does technology intensify human communication?
  • Recent developments in technology transform people’s interests: yes or no?
  • Can people save nature using technology (or destroy it)?
  • Do laws effectively keep up with changes in technology?
  • How can companies like Certbolt grow their ROI?

Healthcare Topics

  • Justifying the legalization of recreational marijuana: yes or no?
  • Is mandatory vaccination constitutional?
  • Alternative medicine and its impact on the future of healthcare.
  • Does technology promote our health?
  • Modern healthcare and antibiotics.
  • Is drug legalization a good idea?
  • Does globalization promote universal healthcare?
  • Should healthcare services for all citizens be fully funded by the government?
  • Should the government be allowed to force parents to take their sick children to the hospital?
  • Can competition improve the quality of healthcare services?

Debate Topics Related to Leisure

  • Is a summer vacation better than a winter vacation?
  • Encouraging teenagers to read books: are the outcomes encouraging?
  • Has technology changed the way young people spend their leisure time?
  • Has social media taken over our leisure time?
  • Can daily leisure time be a substitute for a yearly vacation?
  • Is leisure time essential for workplace effectiveness?
  • Playing video games during leisure time: pros and cons.
  • Has work-life balance changed with the advent of technology?
  • Has globalization and our increased mobility changed the way we view vacations?
  • Women spend their leisure time differently than men.

Debating Financial and Policy Matters

  • Can the U.S. government ensure the country’s financial stability?
  • How secure is mobile banking?
  • Does the credit industry promote or hinder economic development?
  • Is there any economic justification for wars?
  • Should wealthy people pay higher taxes than the poor?
  • How would lowering the voting age impact America’s future?
  • Mass incarceration and its impact on U.S. politics.
  • Mandatory financial education: pros and cons.
  • Should online financial advice be available for every citizen?
  • Can high profitability alone justify environmentally hazardous practices?

Debating Historical Matters

  • History is an important subject that all students should learn: yes or no?.
  • Is King Arthur a real historical figure or myth?
  • Knowledge of history enriches one’s worldview: yes or no?
  • What role did Britain play during the First World War?
  • How have different historians interpreted World War Two?
  • Was there any justification for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the US?
  • How shoudl we interpret the Revolutionary War?
  • Ancient Roman culture versus contemporary culture.
  • History & its impact on the future.
  • Modern interracial conflicts evaluated from a historical perspective.

Topics for Fun Filled Debates

  • Are men stronger than women?
  • Daydreaming versus dreaming at night: which is better?
  • Communication between the sexes: do men and women have different approaches?
  • Choosing the best pizza topping: healthy versus tasty.
  • Do fairy tales affect children’s perception of reality?
  • Is living together before marriage appropriate nowadays?
  • Should teenagers get after-school jobs?
  • Gender and life expectancy: what factors explain life expectancy gaps?
  • From a historical perspective, are women smarter than men?

136 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

Should we take a zero-tolerance approach to ....

' src=

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

educational topics for debate

17 Hacks to Motivate Students to Start Learning Activities

educational topics for debate

Why do fewer black students get identified as gifted?

educational topics for debate

Real-world strategies to make math relevant

educational topics for debate

STEM Learning Must Go Beyond Memorizing Facts and Theories

educational topics for debate

Registration: Everything You Need to Know

educational topics for debate

The Private Life of a Teacher: Should It be Grounds for Dismissal?

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Don't Miss a Post! Subscribe

  • Guest Posts

Educators Technology

  • Educational AI
  • Edtech Tools
  • Edtech Apps
  • Teacher Resources
  • Special Education
  • Edtech for Kids
  • Buying Guides for Teachers

Educators Technology

Educators Technology

Innovative EdTech for teachers, educators, parents, and students

70+ Engaging Education Debate Topics

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 16, 2024

Education Debate Topics

Debates have been a cornerstone of intellectual and rhetorical development since ancient times. As educators, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to nurture a culture of debate in our classrooms.

Besides sharpen students’ speaking and rhetorica l skills, debates also enhance their research abilities and expand their knowledge base. In this era where education discussions and educational debates are increasingly important, the art of debating becomes an essential skill for our students.

Our focus today is on a variety of education debate topics especially suited for high school and college students. These topics are designed to spark deep, meaningful discussions and challenge students to articulate their viewpoints while respecting others’ perspectives.

From the latest in internet and technology debates to thought-provoking education and learning debates, and from culturally significant social debates to the pressing political debates of our time, this post covers it all.

Education Debate Topics for Students

The purpose of this post is to share with you this collection of debate topics that you can use as prompts to deep and meaningful discussions with your students (especially ideal for high school or college students). 

For practical reasons, I organized these debate topics into 3 broad categories: Internet and Technology debate topics,  Education and Learning debate topics, Social and Cultural debate topics, and Political debate topics.

Internet and Technology Debate Topics 

This category explores a range of contemporary issues that students encounter daily. From the impact of social media to the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence, these debate topics encourage students to critically analyze the technological world they are growing up in. They provide a platform for discussing how digital advancements are reshaping society, education, and personal interactions.

1. Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

2. Should parents limit kids’ screen time?

3. To what extent can parents control their kids’ mobile devices?

4. Should schools ban/allow access to social media websites ?

5. Should teens be allowed to play violent video games, why or why not?

6. Which do you prefer: to socialize online or hang out with friends in real life?

7. Are social media websites making people asocial?

8. Spending more time online makes people dumb/smart.

9. The Internet is eliminating more jobs than it provides.

10. Using the Internet for help with homework is cheating.

11. Technology is revolutionizing our life. Yes or no and why.

12. Kids should be allowed to interact with digital technology from an early age.

13. Artificial intelligence technology encourages cheating.

14. Robots will soon take all human jobs.

15. Self-driving cars should be banned.

16. Laws still have not caught up with cyber-crimes.

Education Debate Topics

Related: 70 of the most controversial topics of our time

Education and Learning Debate Topics 

This category delves into various aspects of the educational system, questioning its current state and future direction. Topics range from the value of academic degrees to the effectiveness of different teaching methods. These debates challenge students to think about the role of education in shaping individuals and consider how it can be adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century.

17. What is the real value of academic education?

18. Are academic degrees worth the pain and hassle?

19. Should higher education be totally free? Why or why not?

20. Online academic and scholarly literature should be/shouldn’t be free. Why?

21. Post-pandemic classrooms are different from the pre-pandemic ones. Do you agree?

22. 21st century teaching/education/schools/classrooms are different. Do you agree?

23. What skills should every 21st century teacher master?

24. What do you think of school segregation?

25. School staff and teachers should be allowed to carry guns.

26. Which do you prefer studying at home, in class, or in a hybrid (flipped) setting? Why?

27. What do you think about online teaching?

28. Should homework be abolished?

29. Athletics is the least important subject in school.

30. Smart students occupy the front rows in class.

31. Should Teachers have a uniform dress code?

32. Sex education should/shouldn’t be taught in schools.

33. Recess periods should be longer.

34. Standardized tests should be banned.

35. Students should be allowed to eat in class.

36. STEM subjects are more important than other school subjects.

37. Schools should/should not be given the freedom to ban books from their libraries.

38. Which do you prefer, reading a book or watching its movie version? Why?

39. Is reading non-fiction a waste of time?

Social and Cultural Debate Topics

This category includes topics that touch upon important societal themes like racial equality, gender roles, and ethical dilemmas. These debates encourage students to reflect on their values and the societal norms that shape our world. They offer a space for discussing how cultural and social dynamics influence individual and collective behavior. 

40. What do you think of defunding the police?

41. Social, racial and linguistic profiling increases crime rate.

42. Should the government control people’s choices of whether to have an abortion or not?

43. Should same sex marriage be legalized?

44. Does bad parenting contribute to teens’ delinquency?

45. Should people be allowed to wear religious symbols in public?

46. Are you with or against euthanasia and assisted suicide?

47. Are you with or against government policing of social media websites?

48. Does social media contribute to the rise of hate crimes and crimes against minorities?

49. Are you with or against social media websites collecting users personal data and selling it to advertising companies?

50. Eating meat unethical?

51. Money does not necessarily bring happiness.

52. Animals should be liberated from zoos.

53. Marijuana should/should not be legalized.

54. Women are paid less than men.

55. Dogs are the best pets.

56. What do you think of interracial marriage?

57. Drinking and smoking should/shouldn’t be banned.

58. What do you think of teen pregnancy?

59. Are you pro or against abortion and why?

60. Should people be free to choose the gender they want to identify with?

61. What’s the role of religion in our life?

62. Why are there different religions?

Education Debate Topics

Political Debate Topics 

This category addresses a wide array of political topics, from the debate over democracy’s efficacy to the role of governments in regulating personal freedoms. These topics encourage students to dissect political ideologies, policies, and their implications for society. Engaging in these debates helps students understand the complexity of political systems and the importance of informed civic participation.

63. Should democracies continue doing business with dictatorships and autocratic regimes?

64. When it comes to relations with foreign countries, which comes first:national interests or human rights and ethical considerations?

65. ‘Our’ political values are universal values that every nation should embrace. Discuss?

66. Democracy is the only viable political system.

67. The Constitution should/should not include references to religion.

68. Rich countries should/should not encourage immigration.

69. Monarchies are a waste of money and resources and should be abolished.

70. Voting should be compulsory for all citizens.

71. Nationalism and patriotism are harmful to global peace.

72. Politics should not infiltrate into sports.

73. Powerful countries should be allowed to bully their neighboring countries.

74. World peace is currently at stake. Why?

75. Countries should not interfere with the electoral systems of other countries.

76. Lobbying for foreign countries should be abolished.

77. Female politicians are better than their male counterparts.

Final thoughts

By engaging in education debates on topics ranging from internet and technology to education, social issues, and politics, students not only develop their argumentative skills but also learn to approach issues with an open mind and a critical perspective. Remember, the topics we discussed are not just for classroom debates but are also educational debate topics that can lead to broader discussions and understanding.

educational topics for debate

Join our mailing list

Never miss an EdTech beat! Subscribe now for exclusive insights and resources .

educational topics for debate

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

educational topics for debate

Join our email list for exclusive EdTech content.

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

  • Search Blogs By Category
  • College Admissions
  • AP and IB Exams
  • GPA and Coursework

55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project

author image

General Education

bill-oxford-OXGhu60NwxU-unsplash

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

  • All people should have the right to own guns.
  • The death penalty should be abolished.
  • Human cloning should be legalized.
  • All drugs should be legalized.
  • Animal testing should be banned.
  • Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
  • Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
  • Violent video games should be banned.
  • The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
  • All people should have Universal Basic Income.
  • Sex work should be legal.
  • Countries should be isolationist.
  • Abortion should be banned.
  • Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
  • Bottled water should be banned.
  • Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

  • Homework should be banned.
  • Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
  • Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
  • School uniforms should be required.
  • Standardized testing should be abolished.
  • All students should have an after-school job or internship.
  • School should be in session year-round.
  • All high school athletes should be drug tested.
  • Detention should be abolished.
  • All student loan debt should be eliminated.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • All schools should have armed security guards.
  • Religion should be taught in schools.
  • All schools should be private schools.
  • All students should go to boarding schools.
  • Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
  • Public college should be tuition free.
  • All teachers should get tenure.
  • All school districts should offer school vouchers.

daniel-sandvik-18B9D4q9ESE-unsplash-1

Health Debate Topics

  • Healthcare should be universal.
  • Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
  • All people should be vegetarians.
  • Euthanasia should be banned.
  • The drinking age should be 18.
  • Vaping should be banned.
  • Smoking should be banned in all public places.
  • People should be legally required to get vaccines.
  • Obesity should be labeled a disease.
  • Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
  • The sale of human organs should be legalized.
  • Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

  • Social media has improved human communication.
  • The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
  • Individuals should own their own DNA.
  • Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
  • Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
  • Net neutrality should be restored.
  • Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
  • Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
  • Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

PrepScholar

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Follow us on Facebook (icon)

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

educational topics for debate

60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Show me what areas I need to improve

What’s Covered:

What makes a good debate topic, good debate topics for teens.

  • Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Topics

Learning to view, think, and discuss ideas from contrasting viewpoints builds a host of skills that will benefit high schoolers both in and out of the classroom—including improving public speaking, reinforcing listening, and sharpening research. Good debate topics for high school students are key to lively discussion and an engaged classroom; they’re issues that students care about. 

A good debate topic for high school is one that inspires students to think and learn about both sides of the issue. There are a few factors to consider when searching for good debate topics for high school students.

  • Clear Idea: A good debate topic clearly, simply, and specifically states an often complex idea that students can argue the affirmative (pro) side of and the negative (con) side of.
  • Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them. 
  • Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument. 
  • Argument: Good debate topics do not have a clear “right” answer—rather, they have opposing views that participants can make persuasive arguments in favor of or against. 
  • Evidence: The availability of evidence and data is key to a good debate topic; without them, participants are merely stating a personal position on a topic. 
  • Avoid Cliches: There are a handful of topics that seem to always materialize for debates and can cause students to lose interest. 

educational topics for debate

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

  • Are the arts an important aspect of education? 
  • Should we make financial education mandatory? 
  • Should students attend school year-round? 
  • Should schools punish students for bullying that occurs outside of school?
  • Will computers replace teachers in the future?
  • Should students grade their teachers?
  • Should all high school sports become gender-neutral?
  • Is a college education as valuable as it once was? 
  • Are student loans exploitative? 
  • Is it time to eliminate standardized tests? 

Science and Technology

  • Is social media making us less social?
  • Is Google the best search engine or just the one we’re accustomed to using? 
  • Is Android better than iOS? 
  • Will technology save the world or destroy it? 
  • Can the law keep pace with technology?
  • Is the future of school online?
  • Will cryptocurrencies replace cash?   
  • Is technology taking jobs or creating them? 
  • Should every American have the right to access the internet? 
  • Are electronic libraries more equitable than traditional ones? 

Government and Politics

  • Should the government make vaccinations mandatory?
  • Is it time for Supreme Court justices to have term limits? 
  • Should we make voting mandatory?
  • Should we make all drugs legal?
  • Is it time to decriminalize sex work? 
  • Is our privacy more important than national security?
  • Is it fair to take the right to vote away from felons? 
  • Should we raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
  • Should the government provide universal basic income? 
  • Is providing healthcare the job of the government?
  • Can governments implement policies that will actually combat climate change?   
  • Should we allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
  • Should we remove racial epithets from books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ?
  • Can the U.S. achieve gender equality?
  • Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous? 
  • Does religion do more harm than good?
  • Should we bar police from using lethal force?
  • Do we still need the institution of marriage? 
  • Can the U.S. ever achieve racial equality?
  • Are we living in a dystopian society?
  • Should we punish or help drug addicts? 
  • Is bad parenting responsible for the rise in childhood obesity?
  • Should we sell birth control over the counter? 
  • Is it time to ban cigarettes and vaping? 
  • Are alternative medicines helpful or harmful?
  • Should we ban businesses from advertising to children?
  • Is the eight-hour workday outdated? 
  • Should we treat corporations like people?
  • Should corporations be involved in politics? 
  • Is remote work the future of employment? 
  • Is gaming a sport? 
  • Are books a better entertainment option than television?
  • Should social media companies censor content? 
  • Is civil disobedience the most effective form of protest? 
  • Should we ban football? 
  • Should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day?
  • What better determines success: skill or will?
  • Should you feel guilty for killing zombies during the zombie apocalypse? 
  • Should you choose pizza toppings based on taste or nutrition? 
  • Are hot dogs sandwiches?

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Arguments 

A vital part of debate preparation is to test your arguments to ensure they specifically address the topic and collectively form a cohesive point. Make sure you consider both sides of the argument to better be prepared for a rebuttal.

Before stepping up to argue your side of the issue, test your argument on CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free from a peer!

As you get ready for college, it is important to understand how your extracurriculars, like debate, factor into your chances of acceptance. Check out our free chancing calculator to find the best-fit school for you.

educational topics for debate

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

educational topics for debate

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

125 Good Debate Topics for High and Middle Schoolers in 2024

April 2, 2024

What’s the most common phobia in the US? Snakes? Planes? Insects? Public speaking? Ding, ding, ding! If you chose the latter, you’re right on the money. According to an article from The Washington Post , 28% of responders fear public speaking above all else . While public speaking may be scary, it is a necessary and useful skill that benefits students in high school and beyond. Accordingly, one way for high school students to develop their public speaking skills is through the age-old activity of public forum debate, tackling hot-button debate topics from the use of ChatGPT on schoolwork to whether TikTok should be banned. (Fun fact: the art of debating dates back to the lessons of Socrates ! How’s that for time-tested?)

Debate provides the perfect opportunity for all students to practice essential life skills such as conducting research, structuring logical and persuasive arguments, and learning how to grapple with complex current issues. Additionally, debate can help build confidence, foster collaboration with peers, and enable students to become well-informed members of society. And who knows? A successful high school career on the debate team might just inspire a future career in public policy , international relations , or law .

What is the best topic for a debate?

Great question! The ideal debate topic should have relevance to students’ lives , be complex enough to sustain a lively discussion , and have a wealth of supporting “pro” and “con” evidence and data for students to draw upon to support their claims.

Before you choose a topic, you might want to do some preliminary research to see what is available. Remember, you can get creative! For example, if your topic is “Students should be allowed to wear pajamas to class,” you may have a hard time finding studies on that exact subject. Howevever, by researching similar topics, such as “ effect of clothing on productivity ” or “ effect of clothing on mental state,” you’d find a wealth of information to start building your argument.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get into some great debate topics for high schoolers (and some debate topics for middle schoolers, as well!).

Education Debate Topics for High School

  • Colleges should eliminate the use of standardized tests like the ACT and SAT for determining admissions.
  • Schools should allow students to use ChatGPT when writing essays and completing assignments.
  • All public schools should adopt a universal pass/fail grading system.
  • School districts should allow their libraries to ban certain books.
  • All students should have free access to higher education.
  • Students should be allowed to wear pajamas to class.
  • Students would benefit from a shorter school day.
  • Schools should eliminate physical education requirements.
  • All students should take a financial literacy course prior to graduating.
  • Schools should permit teachers to carry firearms for self-defense.
  • Teachers should prohibit the use of cell phones during school hours.
  • High school classes should start later in the morning.
  • Health classes should be eliminated and left up to parents.
  • Schools should teach basic survival skills.
  • Schools should downsize humanities and arts departments in favor of STEM departments.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance is a form of propaganda.
  • Period products should be available for free in school bathrooms.

Government Debate Topics for High School

  • The government should lower the voting age to 16.
  • The US should adopt a universal healthcare system.
  • Censorship is sometimes justified in a democratic society.
  • Hate speech should be protected under freedom of speech laws.
  • The government should provide reparations for slavery and systemic racism.
  • The US should implement a carbon tax to help combat climate change.
  • The United States should take steps to disarm its nuclear arsenal.
  • The US should abolish the electoral college and move to a popular vote system.
  • The government should allow prisoners to vote.
  • We should revise our penal system to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
  • Everyone should be required to serve in the military.
  • Every state should have a sanctuary city.
  • Prisoners should only be allowed to stay on death row for one year.
  • We should abolish public access to the sex offender registry.
  • Parenting education should be mandatory.
  • The government should abolish religion-based federal holidays.
  • State and federal investigators should not be allowed to use DNA from genealogy databases.
  • Stay-at-home parents should receive compensation from the government.
  • Undocumented immigrants should have a clear path to amnesty.

Science and Technology Debate Topics for High School

  • It is the responsibility of social media companies to regulate hate speech on their platforms.
  • The government should ban the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces.
  • The government should hold social media companies responsible for overseeing the spread of misinformation on their platforms.
  • The government should regulate the use of social media to protect user privacy.
  • All social media companies should disclose what user data they’re collecting, and how it’s being used.
  • Social media is hindering our ability to form meaningful connections with others.
  • There should be an age restriction on using social media sites.
  • The government should create guidelines for AI regulation to prevent widespread job loss in the workplace.
  • The government should have the power to regulate the content of online platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
  • Sites like Twitter and Reddit should do away with anonymous posting.
  • We should require social media influencers to disclose sponsored content.
  • Artists who use AI to create their pieces should be banned from art contests and competitions.
  • Car companies are responsible for self-driving car accidents.
  • Electric cars are not sustainable.
  • Parents shouldn’t be allowed to post photographs of their children online without their consent.
  • You should be allowed to record anyone at any time, with or without their knowledge.

Health and Bioethics Debate Topics for High School

  • The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports is never ethical.
  • The use of GMOs should be banned from all agriculture.
  • The cloning of humans is ethical.
  • The government should legalize all drugs, and tax them as it does cigarettes and alcohol.
  • Pharmacies should sell birth control over the counter.
  • We should ban animal testing for medical research.
  • Authorities should prohibit doctors from prescribing placebos to patients.
  • The US should legalize physician-assisted suicide.
  • We should require genetic testing for all newborns.
  • Patients should have the right to refuse medical treatments.
  • The government should regulate the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture.
  • The government should mandate vaccines.
  • The US should invest more in renewable energy resources to combat climate change.          
  • Mail-order abortion pills should be available in every state.
  • All restaurants should be required to print calorie counts on their menus.
  • IVF embryos should be considered children.
  • Embalming bodies should be banned.
  • We should resurrect extinct species.                                                                                

Business Debate Topics for High School

  • The government should increase the minimum wage.
  • Universal basic income is necessary for a fair society.
  • The government should ban unpaid internships.
  • The government should regulate cryptocurrencies as they do other monies.
  • The government should provide incentives for companies to hire more women and minorities.
  • Companies should be required to disclose their gender pay gap.
  • The U.S. should adopt a flat tax system.
  • Companies’ boards should meet a set diversity quota.
  • All companies that are able should transition to a work-from-home model.
  • The government should provide financial incentives for companies to go green.
  • We should require companies to provide at least three months of paid parental leave to their employees, regardless of gender.
  • The government should force companies to disclose their carbon footprint.
  • Everyone should tip 20% at food service establishments.
  • Those who choose not to have children should be awarded an equivalent amount of paid leave.
  • Millionaires should be required to donate a certain amount of money per year to charitable organizations.
  • Commercial fishing should be banned.
  • Fashion companies should not be allowed to manufacture clothing overseas.

Pop Culture Debate Topics for High School

  • Reality TV portrays a distorted version of reality.
  • Binge-watching TV shows is harmful to our mental health.
  • Video games should have restrictions on the content they portray.
  • Cosplay is a form of cultural appropriation.
  • It is unethical for actors to play characters of different races and ethnicities.
  • Award shows like the Oscars should have a diversity quota they must meet.
  • Cancel culture is doing more harm than good.
  • Celebrities should be held to a higher standard of behavior than the general population.
  • Rap music is a positive influence on society.
  • The paparazzi is harmful to celebrities’ well-being.
  • Graphic novels are not literature.
  • Genre fiction is less valuable than literary fiction.

Fun Debate Topics

  • It is better to be well-versed in multiple topics than a specialist in one.
  • Emojis should be allowed in formal correspondence.
  • It is better to have the power of teleportation than that of invisibility.
  • Exclamation points have become overused in text and email.
  • Fast food restaurants should have a mandatory vegan option.
  • Natural talent is more important for success than hard work.
  • Cereal is technically a kind of soup.
  • Pineapples belong on pizza.
  • Marvel is a better superhero franchise than DC.
  • Toilet paper should be rolled over, rather than under.
  • Retired fashion trends should not return.
  • Hot dogs are sandwiches.

Debate Topics for Middle School

  • USDA regulators should ban junk food from school cafeterias.
  • School should take place year-round.
  • Schools should permit students to select classes based on their individual interests, rather than require all students to take the same classes.
  • Schools should require students to complete a set number of volunteer hours in order to graduate.
  • Single-gender schools are better than co-ed ones.
  • The US should raise the driving age to 18.
  • Children should earn a fixed amount for doing chores.
  • Students should grade their teachers, too.
  • Video games are a useful learning tool.
  • Schools should not have a dress code.
  • Teachers should not be allowed to give homework.
  • Pageants and beauty contests are harmful.
  • Pets should not be allowed at restaurants.
  • Recess should be required at all middle schools.

I’ve got my topic, now what?

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, it’s time to prepare. Preparation for a debate involves some key steps, all of which are necessary to ensuring your argument is as sound and convincing as possible.

Putting Together a Successful Debate Argument, Step by Step

1) conduct your research ..

Read widely and smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking down the sources of each—these will be pivotal later, when you’re building your argument and require points of reference. Research the counterarguments you find as well.

2) Organize your thoughts in a coherent manner .

Look over the data you’ve collected and decide your stance. Firstly, you should be able to articulate your position in a single, simple sentence. Then, create an argument that progresses logically. What do you feel are the strongest arguments for your position? You might consider placing your strongest or most thought-provoking argument last so that it is freshest in your listener’s mind.

Additionally, to help your listeners follow along, use signposts to indicate the direction of your claim. (Think of this as building your thesis. “In this argument, I will cover points A, B, and C.”)

3) Write out what you want to say .

Outline the main points of your stance. Under each section, bullet point key pieces of evidence that support your claim. Once you have that, see if you can summarize the bullet point using a single word or phrase. This way, when you’re in the heat of the moment, you can glance down and use that phrase to spark your memory.

4) Anticipate what your opponents might say .

This is essential to crafting a foolproof argument. Firstly, try to look at the debate from the opposing team’s side. Then, ask yourself: If you were arguing from their side, what points would you make? What is the rational counterargument to your claim, and how can you refute it? Where possible, you want to preclude any chance your opponent might have of catching you off-guard.

5) Practice !

Run through what you want to say, and run through it again. Get out the recorder and listen to a recording of yourself. Does your argument make sense? Practice for speed, clarity, and flow. In addition, memorization will help you get rid of any jitters you might have in the moment.

Good Debate Topics—Final Thoughts

In conclusion, debate is an excellent way for high schoolers to hone their communication skills. Moreover, by implementing the strategies outlined here, students will be better prepared to tackle debates with confidence, assured that they’ve put in the work to convey their ideas effectively and with success.

  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Data Visualizations
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High Schools
  • Homeschool Resources
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Research Programs
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Teacher Tools
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

20 Debate Topics About Education

A topic which is guaranteed to stimulate passionate debate in your class is education. After all, education issues have the potential to directly affect your students and their futures. In this post, you will find 20 debate topics about education that you can use in your debate class. These are suitable for middle school students, high school students, and adults.

Debate Topics About Education

Here are 20 debate topics about education. All the topics below are formed as a statement so ask your students if they agree or disagree with the statements below.

Download And Print

Atheneum Global Logo

Our Courses

30 Debate Topics To Engage Every Student

educational topics for debate

Introduction

Teaching students how to have meaningful discussions is a skill that all educators want to master. One great way to get students to talk and think critically in the classroom is to introduce debatable topics .

Table of Content

  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. The Power of Debatable Topics
  • 3. Funny Debate Topics
  • 4. Fun Debate Topics
  • 5. Engaging Debate Topics
  • 6. Debatable Questions for Critical Thinking
  • 7. The best debate question
  • 8. How to Choose the Best Debate Topic
  • 9. Conclusion

The Power of Debatable Topics

B efore we get into the list of debate topics, let's discuss the significance of debatable questions in the educational field. Why are debatable questions so important in education? Debates help students think critically, communicate effectively, and see different sides of complex issues. They give students a chance to share their own ideas, support them with evidence, and learn to persuade others. And most importantly, debates make learning fun and memorable, instilling a love of knowledge.

Whether you're a teacher looking for new ideas or a student looking for inspiration for your next debate competition, here's a list of 50 fun, funny, and thought-provoking debate topics that will engage all learners

Funny Debate Topics

1) Should pizza be considered a breakfast food?

2) Is it better to have a pet Dinosaur or a pet dragon?

3) Who would win in a dance-off: zombies or mummies?

4) Do aliens exist, and have they ever tried pizza?

5) Is it okay to wear pajamas to school?

Fun Debate Topics

1) Should schools have a "no homework" policy?

2)Is it better to read the book or watch the movie adaptation?

3) Cats vs. dogs: Which make better pets?

4) Is time travel possible, and would you use it?

5) Should video games be considered a sport?

Engaging Debate Topics

1) Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?

2) Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?

3) Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

4) Is social media more harmful than beneficial?

5) Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be banned?

6) Is space exploration worth the cost?

7) Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?

8) Should the school year be extended?

9) Is a vegetarian or vegan diet healthier?

10) Should the death penalty be abolished?

Debatable Questions for Critical Thinking

1) Is censorship in art and media justifiable?

2) Should college athletes be paid?

3) Is the use of drones in warfare ethical?

4) Should the government regulate the internet more?

5) Is it ethical to clone humans?

6) Should schools teach financial literacy?

7) Is the use of nuclear energy safe?

8) Is it ethical to use AI in healthcare decision-making?

9) Should there be a universal basic income?

10) Is graffiti art or vandalism?

The best debate question

Is Atheneum Global the best institute to get your online Teacher Training Courses ?

Is this even a debate? Yes, obviously Atheneum Global is the best!

we deliver the most affordable and quality Teacher Training courses!

Jokes Apart Let's Continue!!

How to Choose the Best Debate Topic

Choosing the right debate topic is essential for a lively and productive discussion. Here are a few tips:

Relevance : Pick topics that are important to your students and that they can relate to. This will help them stay engaged.

Balance : Include a mix of serious and lighthearted topics in your debates. This will appeal to a wider range of students with different interests.

Controversy : Choose topics that have multiple sides and that are genuinely debatable. Avoid topics with clear, one-sided answers.

Complexity : Select topics that encourage students to think critically and analyze the issue in depth. Avoid overly simplistic topics.

Current Events : Incorporate current events or contemporary issues into your debate topics . This will keep the discussions relevant and up-to-date.

Debating is a great way for students to learn. It helps them to think critically, to see different sides of an issue, and to communicate their ideas effectively. Whether you're a teacher or a student, here are 30 debate topics that are sure to spark interesting conversations.

Some of the topics are funny, some are fun, and some are more serious. But all of them are thought-provoking and engaging. So pick a topic, gather your arguments, and get ready to debate!

educational topics for debate

Best Online Teacher Training Courses

Discover what employers are looking for in 2023 and how to level up with our skills.

educational topics for debate

PG Diploma in Montessori Teacher Training (MTT)

educational topics for debate

Graduate Diploma in ECCE

educational topics for debate

PG Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training

educational topics for debate

Graduate Diploma in Special Education

educational topics for debate

TEFL Certification Online

Quick Contact

Fill all the fields!

Thank you for the information.

Read More Articles from Atheneum Global

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

  • Classroom Ideas
  • Teacher’s Life
  • Deals & Shopping
  • Privacy Policy

150 Controversial Debate Topics

August 31, 2023 //  by  Brittney Hallmark

Controversial debate topics are always interesting! Hearing both sides of a passionate or heated argument can be eye-opening and can help open the minds of others to a new perspective! Whether in public schools or private schools, many topics can be debated by students that can have varied viewpoints and opinions. Check out this extensive list of 150 controversial issues and debate questions which are sure to spark ongoing discussion! 

Social Topics: 

1. Is it fair to expect people to take drug tests in order to receive government assistance? 

2. Has technology had an impact on the level of laziness in society?

3. Should the death penalty still exist?

4. Should voting should be required for all citizens?

5. Should the voting age be lowered?

6. Is the minimum wage a fair, and reasonable, livable wage in the United States?

7. How can cyberbullying be prevented? 

8. Will cryptocurrency take the place of our current currency?

9. Should a specific daily leisure time be exchanged for a yearly vacation?

10. Is the best government structure democracy?

11. Should same-sex marriage be allowed?

12. Should drug legalization happen in the United States?

13. Does social media have an impact on mental illness?

14. Do white people have a different perspective than people of other races?

15. Will public libraries disappear in time?

16. Is world peace even a remote possibility?

17. Is it wrong for devices to listen to your conversations?

18. Human trafficking is one of the greatest problems in our current society.

19. Should immigrants automatically be granted citizenship?

20. Are immigrants a problem or a benefit?

21. Is gun control fair and appropriate?

22. People should be fined for crimes based on their income.

23. Should abortion be considered acceptable if the unborn baby is sick?

24. Can blind people be considered racist?

25. Is art therapy beneficial to mental health wellness?

26. Smartphones can actually damage our IQs. 

27. Is it ethical for doctors to promote medications?

28. Is it fair for people without health insurance to still receive health care?

29. Is space exploration still important?

30. Educators should be paid more than professional athletes. 

Science, Technology, and Environmental Topics:

31. Do aliens really exist? 

32. Is animal testing something that should be completely banned?

33. Is plastic something we should still be making?

34. Should all people have the right to internet access?

35. Is our society too reliant on technology?

36. Should there be a limit on how many plastic bags can be used by each person?

37. Cybersecurity is not very protective. 

38.  Is global warming something that can be prevented?

39. Electric vehicles can solve the issue of pollution. 

40. Technology isolates people and makes them lonely. 

Health Topics:

41. Considering obese people, should obesity be considered a personal problem or more of a problem of society for American life?

42. Should there be a legal age for teens to drink energy drinks?

43. Should abortion be allowed? 

44. Should vaccinations be mandatory for educational institutions and job places?

45. Because Covid is so widespread, should everyone be required to get the vaccine?

46. Dieting is a serious danger to your overall health.

47. Should marijuana be allowed for use recreationally?

48. Should junk food and fast food be banned in schools?

49. You should be able to buy HIV tests at the store, like pregnancy tests.

50. Should soda be banned?

51. Is genetic testing immoral?

52. Is suicide assistance immoral for terminally ill patients?

53. Should there be a limit on how many pets people can own?

54. Would be taxing sugary and junk foods prevent obesity?

55. Should fast food restaurants be banned?

Education Topics:

56. Should a college education be paid for by the federal government?

57. Are private schools better than public schools?

58. Is online schooling better than traditional schooling for public school students?

59. Should teachers be allowed to carry guns to work each day?

60. Should homework still be given in K-12 schools in this day and age?

61. Should K-12 schools require students to take a whole course about responsibility?

62. Is corporal punishment in schools a fair thing to keep around?

63. Would it be better for students to wear school uniforms?

64. Should religious beliefs be kept out of schools completely?

65. Should public service work be a punishment for teenagers who get into trouble at school?

66. Should all fees be stopped for schooling?

67. Condoms should be available at school.

68. Should all students be provided with laptops at school?

69. Should the high school where students go, also provide child care for students with children of their own?

70. School should only be four days per week. 

71. Should all students be required to experience work life by getting a part-time job?

72. Teachers should be allowed to carry guns as protection. 

73. Should students be tracked online at school?

74. Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?

75. Should girls be confined to an all-girls school?

76. Should schools allow personal days for students when they need a break?

77. Should charter schools be banned?

78. Is cheating ok if you studied too?

79. Students should be able to choose to skip a grade if they want.

80. Video games should take the place of assignments at school. 

Other Interesting Topics:

81. Is dance really a sport?

82. Should there be a minimum age for a babysitter?

83. Should a parent have the right to pierce their child’s ears?

84. Should nuclear weapons be allowed in any way or should they be totally banned?

85. Should violent video games be banned for children of certain ages if they display too much aggression and violence?

86. Should middle school students have a cell phone?

87. Are beauty contests an ethical issue?

88. Should state borders still exist?

89. Couples should not be allowed to adopt from overseas countries.

90. Children are given too many trophies in present-day times. 

91. Cell phones shouldn’t be given to children under the age of 16.

92. Hunting should be better controlled in only certain areas. 

93. Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

94. Should pregnant teenagers be allowed to keep their babies?

95. Should homeless people be allowed to keep pets?

96. Children need virtual recess instead of physical recess.

97. Is a woman’s place within a home to take care of the kids and the home?

98. Is suicide ever the answer?

99. Should computer gaming be considered a sport?

100. The world would be more productive with more women leaders.

101. Boarding school is harmful to mental health and should be banned. 

102. Should citizens who are eligible to vote and don’t, be fined? 

103. Children should be taught about different forms of sexuality. 

104. Students should never be allowed to be expelled from school. 

105. Does the amount of streetlights in a neighborhood correlate with the amount of crime?

106. Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults in court?

107. Is health care in prison up to standards?

108. The Olympics is outdated and should stop.

109. College students should be drug tested regularly. 

110. Exams should be given online in the comfort of your own home.

Arts and Culture:

111. Do video games contribute to youth violence?

112. Should cultural artifacts be returned to their country of origin?

113. Is fashion a form of art?

114. Does the accessibility of music streaming devalue artists’ work?

115. Should movies and TV shows be more politically correct?

116. Are awards shows like the Oscars still relevant?

117. Does the rise of e-books devalue the traditional book industry?

118. Can art be separated from the artist?

119. Should public funding be used for the arts?

120. Is it important to preserve traditional forms of art in the digital age?

Economic Issues:

121. Should companies be taxed more heavily for environmental damage?

122. Is a cashless society a good idea?

123. Should countries adopt a four-day workweek?

124. Can trickle-down economics effectively boost an economy?

125. Are trade unions still relevant today?

126. Should countries cancel student debt?

127. Is economic globalization beneficial for all countries involved?

128. Should governments invest more in public transportation?

129. Can entrepreneurship solve unemployment issues?

130. Is it ethical for companies to profit from healthcare?

Environmental Issues:

131. Are zoos ethical in the context of animal rights?

132. Should hydraulic fracking be banned due to environmental concerns?

133. Is organic farming truly better for the environment?

134. Should there be stricter regulations on pesticide use?

135. Is the current focus on renewable energy overshadowing the need for energy conservation?

136. Are electric vehicles the best solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

137. Should countries be held accountable for their historical carbon emissions?

138. Does ecotourism benefit or harm the environment?

139. Is overpopulation a key environmental concern?

140. Should we invest more in space exploration as a solution to Earth’s resources running out?

Global Affairs:

141. Are trade wars beneficial or harmful for countries involved?

142. Should NATO’s role be reevaluated in the 21st century?

143. Can sanctions effectively deter countries from breaching international laws?

144. Is it ethical to use drones in warfare?

145. Should the International Criminal Court have more power?

146. Does the concept of ‘national sovereignty’ hinder global cooperation?

147. Are the Sustainable Development Goals realistic?

148. Is the concept of a ‘global citizen’ feasible?

149. Should immigration laws be more lenient?

150. Can international diplomacy effectively address climate change?

High School Debate Topics

Illustration: Hugo Lin. ThoughtCo. 

  • Teaching Resources
  • An Introduction to Teaching
  • Tips & Strategies
  • Policies & Discipline
  • Community Involvement
  • School Administration
  • Technology in the Classroom
  • Teaching Adult Learners
  • Issues In Education
  • Becoming A Teacher
  • Assessments & Tests
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Homeschooling
  • M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
  • B.A., History, University of Florida

Debates tend to instantly engage students, but they can also sharpen their research and public speaking skills. No matter your reasons for using them, having debates in your classroom is a sure way to get your students thinking and talking.

You may require your students to research debate topics before discussing them or even prepare speeches to state their point of view. Learning how to productively debate will improve your students' communication skills as they practice speaking and listening. These skills will serve them in college and the diverse career world beyond. 

Debate Topics

The following 50 debate topics  can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view.

Watch Now: Ideas for Great Classroom Debate Topics

Science and technology debate topics.

  • Should human cloning be banned?
  • Should renewable forms of energy be subsidized by the government?
  • Should the U.S. government fund a space mission to Mars?
  • Should social media comments be protected by free speech?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose their baby's gender?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Should the U.S. government provide internet service to every citizen?
  • Are video games too violent for children?
  • Should the manufacturing of nuclear weapons be permitted?

Laws and Politics Debate Topics

  • Is it ever appropriate for the government to restrict freedom of speech?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should citizens who do not vote be fined?
  • Is the right to bear arms a necessary constitutional amendment today?
  • Should the legal voting/driving/drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should a border fence be constructed between the U.S. and Mexico?
  • Should America give foreign aid to other countries?
  • Should drone attacks against specific targets be used for modern warfare?
  • Should affirmative action be abolished?
  • Should the  death penalty  be abolished?
  • Should microaggressions be punishable by law?
  • Should the cruel treatment of animals be illegal?

Social Justice Debate Topics

  • Should partial-birth abortion be illegal?
  • Should all parents be required to attend parenting classes before having a child?
  • Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
  • Should mixed martial arts be banned?
  • Should celebrities be required to be positive role models?
  • Should people be fined for not recycling?
  • Are progressive tax rates just?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Should marijuana use be considered a crime?

Education Debate Topics

  • Should every student be required to take a performing arts course?
  • Should homework be banned?
  • Should school uniforms be required?
  • Is year-round education is a good idea?
  • Should physical education be required of all high school students?
  • Should all students be required to perform community service?
  • Should schools block YouTube?
  • Should students be able to leave school grounds for lunch?
  • Are single-sex schools better for student learning and mental health?
  • Should schools punish cyberbullying that occurs outside of school?
  • Should teachers not be allowed to contact students through social media?
  • Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
  • Should high-stakes state testing be abolished?
  • Should poetry units be removed from the curriculum?
  • Is History (or another subject) actually an important subject in school?
  • Should schools be allowed to track students by academic level?
  • Should students be required to pass algebra to graduate?
  • Should students be graded on their handwriting?
  • Should all students be required to co-op?
  • Should the theory of creation be taught in schools?
  • Stage a Debate in Class
  • Social Studies Curriculum Plan of Study
  • 61 General Expository Essay Topic to Practice Academic Writing
  • Cosmos Episode 4 Viewing Worksheet
  • Teaching Tools for Viewing Cosmos
  • Banned Books in America
  • Using Journals in the Secondary Classroom
  • The Best Shakespeare Plays for High School
  • Public Vs. Private School Teaching
  • American Government Journal Topics
  • Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
  • Essential Consumer Math Concepts
  • Halloween Lesson Plan Ideas
  • 101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • Classroom Activities to Try During the Winter Holidays
  • 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes

100+ Interesting Debate Topics for High School Students

Jennifer is a prolific writer with over 10 years of experience in online writing. She enjoys creating quotes and poems.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Whether joining the high school debate team or participating in topical discussions in class, debating current topics is an excellent way to develop speaking skills and build confidence. Debating helps you discover more about your views, think on your feet, and learn how to take a stand on issues. To prepare, consider this list of good debate topics for high school students.

Social Debate Topics for Teens

Whether it's the welfare system, sex education, or gay marriage , you can find different debate topics to relay your social consciousness.

  • Should welfare recipients be required to take drug tests?
  • Should there be a time limit on SNAP food benefits offered by the federal government?
  • Should SNAP benefits be available at a broader range of healthy stores? Should they limit the availability of "bad foods" like soda and candy?
  • Is Black Lives Matter highlighting the need for more civil rights enforcement or creating more of a social divide?
  • Historically, adoption is a very difficult process. Should the government or private agencies be allowed to turn away loving, capable parents when so many children need permanent homes?
  • Should parents allow teens to fill their calendars with activities, or is it their job to impose limits on time spent outside school and home? Which activities should take precedence, and is society expecting too much of adolescents?
  • According to research, teens have accepted a culture of sexual experiences as casual and full of immediately gratifying experiences. What are the ramifications of this flippant take on sexual experiences? Is the modern teen 's attitude on sex reflected in current sex education? Should it be?
  • Do schools have a responsibility and right to encourage specific attitudes, such as abstinence, toward sexual encounters, or should this be a family issue?

Controversial Debate Topics for Teens About Ethics

You can't think about social topics without thinking about ethics. Tackle one of these ethical topics in your next debate.

  • Is peer pressure different for girls and boys?
  • Should animals be kept in a zoo?
  • Does the government have the right to regulate abortion?
  • Do violent video games lead to violence in real life?
  • Is the death penalty a form of cruel and unusual punishment? Should it be banned?
  • Is it ethical to allow human euthanization?
  • Should we be allowed to use animals for food?
  • Is plastic surgery creating unattainable ideals and hurting society?

Health and Health Care Related Topics for Teen Debates

You can find a lot of different health-related topics to use for your debate. You might also try adding current events to your argument by opting for a COVID-19 debate topic for students.

  • Should marijuana be legal for medical and recreational use in all states?
  • Do quarantine and social distance help limit the spread of viruses like COVID?
  • Should alternative medicine be used alongside mainstream medicine for severe diseases like cancer?
  • Should the government offer healthcare paid for with tax dollars?
  • Is medical research on animals justified?
  • Should COVID vaccines be mandated?
  • Has COVID-19 highlighted a flaw in the global response to pandemics?
  • Should the government mandate any vaccine?

Political and Controversial Debate Topics

Controversial and political topics are great choices if you are looking for hard-hitting and impactful debate topics. Not only are there several topics, but research on both sides is vast. Delve into current events for teens and see what you can find.

  • Should citizens be able to own and carry guns in modern society?
  • Should guns be more highly regulated?
  • To help gain information from terrorists, the U.S. government uses various forms of torture, including waterboarding. Are these methods of gaining information humane? Is waterboarding a form of cruel and unusual punishment?
  • Should the United States increase off-shore drilling to help ease the rise in gas prices?
  • Should the United States implement more policies to prevent and punish people who enter illegally, or should the immigration policies be more lenient? Furthermore, who is considered an illegal immigrant?
  • Should the practice of fracking be banned?
  • Research suggests that a large percentage of Americans get their news online from social media outlets. Given their wide influence, should social apps and websites have a responsibility to thwart fake news?
  • Websites like Google and Facebook have taken actions to help consumers spot fake news and remove sites or users peddling misinformation. Are they doing enough, and is it their job to 'police' the information shared on their sites?
  • Should transgender individuals be forced to use the bathrooms for their birth-assigned gender?
  • Should transgender people be allowed to participate in sports that align with their current gender?

Exciting Topics About Rules and Laws for Teens

Dive further into government debate ideas by looking at rules and legislation. Teens can have a field day with these debate topics.

  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Should the draft be required for everyone?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered to the adult age?
  • Should the adult age be increased to the drinking age?
  • Is detention an acceptable form of punishment for breaking the rules?
  • Should underaged teens be allowed to go to nightclubs to dance?
  • Is drone fighting the new age of warfare?
  • Should minors get a harsher penalty for committing a serious crime?
  • Should the driving age be raised or lowered?
  • Should all officers be made to wear cameras when out on patrol?
  • How can mass shootings be avoided? Should the government provide stricter gun control or more support for mental illness?

Science Debate Topics for High Schoolers

Science is changing the world. Get in on the debate by looking at one of these science topics.

  • Is stem cell research ethical? Does the greater good outweigh the taking of a future life?
  • Scientists have cloned sheep, mice, dogs, and other life forms, but they have yet to clone humans. Should humans be cloned?
  • Should smoking cigarettes be banned in public places? Is secondhand smoke as big of a risk as we have been led to believe?
  • Should vaping be treated like smoking? Is vaping equal to smoking?
  • Does climate change exist, and how does it affect the world?
  • While SIRI and self-driving cars are helpful, is having too much reliance on artificial intelligence a bad thing? Does the benefit outweigh the risk?
  • Are the concerns Elon Musk and Bill Gates have voiced about AI risks valid?
  • What, if any, are the health and environmental benefits of eating organic foods? Do the nutrition and safety benefits outweigh the extra cost?
  • Is eating organic just a fad that has been capitalized upon, or does it offer a real solution to problems like obesity and contaminated food products?
  • Does technology make people lazy? Is technology doing more harm than good or the other way around?
  • Should caffeine be treated as a drug? Does the government have a responsibility to limit the ability of children to buy products containing caffeine, or is this a parental decision?
  • Should renewable and reusable energy replace all non-renewable sources?
  • How should people go about limiting their carbon footprint? Is it essential to limit your carbon footprint?
  • Will the earth's warming and pollution destroy the earth in the future?

Educational Debate Topics for Teens to Dive Into

Want an impactful debate topic that is relevant to your fellow students? Look at educational debate topics that are trending.

  • Schools typically block inappropriate websites and websites that are not educational. Should schools limit what students are allowed to access? Is blocking content effective, or will students try to find a way to get around it and see what they are missing?
  • Do school uniforms help student performance?
  • Should cell phones be banned in schools?
  • If cell phone use is to be limited in schools, what measures are appropriate for schools to take in enforcing these rules?
  • Can one test or a series of standardized tests determine how bright a student is or how well a school is doing?
  • Is year-round school a good option? Is there evidence to suggest that year-round programs work better than a standard school year?
  • Is free tuition for all to college plausible and helpful to society?
  • Is homework doing more harm than good for students? Is there enough evidence to show that homework is harmful to students?
  • Have school vouchers been proven successful, and how do they affect the rest of society?
  • Should parents be able to decide where to send their students to school using school vouchers?
  • Should state education funding be used at each parent's discretion, or should parents choosing private schools have to pay for their choice?
  • Should school start later in the day?
  • Should sports teams be based on talent? Should everyone make the sports team?
  • Is the current grading system used in America outdated?

Entertainment Debate Topics for Teens to Try

From beauty pageants to violent video games, the entertainment industry is rife with various controversial and hard-hitting topics that will surely resonate with high schoolers.

  • Do television and music have that great of an influence on teens? Are there specific types of shows and songs that are more impactful than others?
  • Was the Will Smith slapping incident handled correctly? Are Hollywood actors held to the same standards as other individuals?
  • Should video game creators be required to follow specific regulations regarding what can or can't be seen in a game? Whose job is it to regulate video games? Parents or game-makers?
  • Should beauty pageants be legal? Are there specific types of pageants that do more harm than others? Should little kids be part of beauty pageants?
  • Should cell phones be used when driving? Do laws against cell phone use while driving infringe on personal rights?
  • Professional athletes and A-list celebrities get paid millions of dollars. Do they deserve to get paid as much as they do?
  • Thanks to social media platforms like YouTube, anyone and everyone can become famous for almost anything imaginable. Should video-sharing apps and sites include boundaries for the sake of society's greater good?
  • How does social media affect relationships with people? Is it helpful or harmful?
  • Are Mac computers better than PC or vice versa?
  • Should cryptocurrency replace other forms of currency?

Debate Topics About Parenting and Family for High Schoolers

Nothing is more fun than exploring your parents and family in your debate. Teens can have a lot of different opinions about the following topics.

  • Should parents assign all siblings the same chores ?
  • Are parents responsible if a child causes injury to someone else?
  • Should all teenagers be required to have a job and contribute to the family?
  • Should teenagers be able to go on vacation without parental supervision?
  • Should parents regulate a child/teen's social media ?
  • Should a parent be allowed to make a child attend church?
  • Why is it essential for every home to have a pet ?
  • Is it a violation of privacy for a parent to enter a child's room without permission?
  • Should parents have to attend parenting classes before having children?
  • Should the parents or children be held responsible for child bullying ?

Fun Debate Topics for High Schoolers

Not all debate topics need to be serious and weighty. Have a bit of fun with your debate by trying out some of these lighter topics.

  • What came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Which season is the best? Why?
  • Would it be a good thing to be immortal?
  • Would it be better to be able to fly or read minds?
  • Is pizza the best food?
  • Should people have a cat or a dog?
  • Would you rather travel to the future or the past?
  • Do aliens exist?
  • Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?

Good Debate Topics for High School Students

Whatever topic you choose to debate, make sure it is something you can form an argument for or against. The more passionate you are about a topic, the better the debate will be. It's also great practice to debate for the opposing side of a topic or opinion you hold dear, which will help you learn even more about views that differ from your own.

SplashLearn Logo

  • Math for Kids
  • Parenting Resources
  • ELA for Kids
  • Teaching Resources

SplashLearn Blog

How to Teach Number Recognition to Kids in 8 Easy Steps

How to Teach One to One Correspondence To Kids: 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Odd and Even Numbers in 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Long Division to Kids in 6 Easy Steps

15 Famous Mathematicians in History That Kids Should Know

6-year-old Developmental Milestones Checklist

How to Prepare a Schedule for Kindergarten With Examples

How to Prepare a Schedule for Preschoolers With Sample

12 Best Funny Short Stories for Kids to Read in 2024

6 Best Alternatives to Public Schooling: A Guide for Parents

60 Famous Quotes About Reading, Books & Writing for All Ages

What is Reading Assessment? Types & Tools  [Full Guide]

What are the Stages of Writing Development [Full Guide]

11 Best English Grammar Apps for Kids [Android & iOS]

10 Different Type of Reading Materials for Kids

12 Best Reading Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Classroom

15 Fun Summer Bulletin Board Ideas for 2024

13 Best Assessment Tools for Teachers in 2024

12 Best STEM Programs for Kids in 2024

12 Best Tips for Substitute Teachers

SplashLearn Blog

40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades

debate topics for kids featured image

10 Debate Topics for Kids in Preschool

10 debate topics for elementary kids, 10 debate topics for middle school kids, 10 debate topics for high school kids.

Do you want your child to have a strong opinion about everything? Do you want your child to express those thoughts freely and appropriately? Debate topics for kids are a great place to start!

Debate is one of the best strategies to make your child opinionative and a good communicator. A debate is a well-structured discussion on a topic between two parties based on evidence and statistics. 

It allows your kids to think, process information, and come up with a quick reply. In addition, debates are organized so that both parties get equal time to share their thoughts.

In addition, school debates are organized under the supervision of teachers; this ensures that your child gets a good environment to discuss. So, if your child’s school is hosting a debate competition, you should motivate your child to participate in it. This will help to improve their intellectual and communication skills.

If your child is ready to participate in the debate, we have some great debate topics for kids that you can practice at home.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun ., you see real learning outcomes ..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Banner Image

40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids

To make your child good at debating, you should talk daily with them on a new topic. It will help if you use different topics to expand your child’s knowledge base and form their opinion about everything. Here are some exciting debate topics based on your child’s age:

Students sitting on bean bags in break room discussing debate topics for kids

1. Are pets useful or helpful?

2. What is better for learning; teachers or the internet?

3. Is junk food suitable for children or not?

4. Should students wear uniforms to school?

5. What is the right time to watch television for children?

6. Is virtual learning suitable for young children?

7. Should preschool students bring their toys to class?

8. What are the appropriate school activities for preschoolers?

9. What is the right time to sleep for students?

10. How long should a lunch break be?

11. Should students go on field trips?

12. Are outdoor classrooms helpful for learning?

13. Are aliens real or fake?

14. Should schools teach advanced math to elementary students?

15. Should schools allow students to bring pets to the class?

16. Is homeschooling better than the traditional education system?

17. Do students need recess?

18. Should mobile phones be allowed in the classrooms?

19. Should teachers use interactive learning models in the classroom?

20. Will computers replace teachers in the future?

21. Should junk food need to be banned from school cafeterias?

22. Should the internet be banned from the school premises?

23. Is it compulsory to have PE lectures for all students?

24. Are video games helpful or harmful for children?

25. What is the appropriate amount of screen time for a child?

26. Does your generation have sufficient role models?

27. What is better – private or public schools?

28. Should middle school students volunteer for community welfare?

29. Is it important to teach coding and computer programming in middle school?

30. Is virtual learning the new way of learning?

31. How to stop bullying in school?

32. Is sex education important for high school students?

33. What is the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity?

34. Is cyber security a threat to students?

35. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?

36. Are video games too violent for young minds?

37. Is cooking class important for all students?

38. Should high school students be allowed to study from home?

39. Is history a critical learning subject?

40 Is it good to be bilingual?

How Can Debates Help Your Child?

Participating in school or inter-school debate competitions can help your child in many ways, such as:

Schoolgirls having a discussion and debate topics for kids

1. Analytical skills

When your child gets a topic for debate, they get a chance to explore it with their thought process. As a result, they can analyze situations and come up with adequate replies based on points given by their opponent. In addition, they learn to formulate innovative answers when they are stuck somewhere spontaneously.

2. Public speaking skills 

Debates give your children the confidence to stand on a stage and speak in front of a large audience. The earlier you introduce the debate to your child, the better you can help them overcome their stage fright. Your children learn to handle different audiences and engage with them.

3. Make them listen 

Listening is a very crucial skill that your child can learn from debates. They learn to listen to every word spoken by their opponent carefully. After that, they analyze their remarks and use them to formulate adequate replies. This life skill will help your child become a better emotional and understanding person.

4. Clear thoughts

Debates help your child channel their thoughts and turn them into the right words that other people can easily understand. Multiple thoughts are swirling around your child’s mind. But how to present them properly is something that they don’t know. Thanks to debates, your child can better focus on their thought process and organize it.

Debate Away!

Children talking on the street debate topics for kids

Debates are essential for the academic and analytical brain development of your child. With regular debate participation, you can build a confident and opinionative personality in your child. 

Before taking your child to public debate platforms, you should host a small debate competition at your home. You can use different debate topics for kids mentioned in this blog to prepare your child for school debate competitions.

Explore more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to turn your child into a better debater.

Here are some quick tips to turn your child into a good debate conductor:

  • Start when they are young
  • Spike your child’s interest in the debates by showing them different debate competitions 
  • Ask your child to learn about new things
  • Help your child form an opinion
  • Fix your child’s posture
  • Allow your child to express their thoughts freely

How long should a debate speech be?

A debate speech duration depends upon the level of debate. For example, a middle school debate can be around for five minutes or more. On the contrary, high school and college can go beyond 10 minutes.

educational topics for debate

15 Fun and Educational Body Part Activities for Kids

12 Best Name Writing Activities for Kids

12 Easy Fall Crafts for Kids of All Ages

  • Pre-Kindergarten
  • Kindergarten

Most Popular

Report Card Comments Samples

76 Best Report Card Comments Samples for Teachers

Riddles for Kids

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

Best good vibes quotes

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

Reading quote by Stephen King

60 Halloween Riddles for Kids [With Answers]

Math & ela | prek to grade 5, kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

  • Games for Kids
  • Worksheets for Kids
  • Math Worksheets
  • ELA Worksheets
  • Math Vocabulary
  • Number Games
  • Addition Games
  • Subtraction Games
  • Multiplication Games
  • Division Games
  • Addition Worksheets
  • Subtraction Worksheets
  • Multiplication Worksheets
  • Division Worksheets
  • Times Tables Worksheets
  • Reading Games
  • Writing Games
  • Phonics Games
  • Sight Words Games
  • Letter Tracing Games
  • Reading Worksheets
  • Writing Worksheets
  • Phonics Worksheets
  • Sight Words Worksheets
  • Letter Tracing Worksheets
  • Prime Number
  • Order of Operations
  • Long multiplication
  • Place value
  • Parallelogram
  • SplashLearn Success Stories
  • SplashLearn Apps

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Banner Image

Back-to-School Learning Boost!

Turn play into progress., jumpstart learning now.

Explore 4,000+ games and 450+ lesson plans designed to make this school year the best one yet!

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

📕 Studying HQ

100 Great Education Debate Topics

Bob cardens.

  • September 2, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas

Education Debate Topics and Ideas to get you started. It can be difficult to choose an education debate topic that is both interesting and relevant, but this list of 100 education debate topics should help get you started!

Education debates can cover a wide range of topics, from early childhood education all the way to the college level. Whether you are looking for debate topics for a class or for a public forum, there is sure to be an education debate topic on this list that interests you!

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us.

What You'll Learn

Education Debate Topics

  • Is homeschooling a viable option for all children?
  • Are charter schools better than public schools?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
  • Are private schools better than public schools?
  • Should colleges and universities be free to attend?
  • Is online education as effective as traditional classroom education?
  • Are standardized tests an accurate measure of a student’s knowledge?
  • Should the No Child Left Behind Act be reformed or repealed?
  • Is year-round schooling a good idea?
  • Are charter schools unfairly funded?
  • Do charter schools create a two-tiered education system?
  • Are private schools creating a classist society?
  • Do standardized tests put too much pressure on students?
  • Should the Common Core State Standards be adopted by all states?
  • Is the Education Savings Account program a good way to fund education?
  • Should the government get out of the business of funding education altogether?
  • Is sex education a necessary part of the public school curriculum?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Should evolution be taught in public schools?
  • What role should religion play in public schools?
  • Are for-profit colleges and universities bad for students?
  • Is college tuition too high?
  • Should student loan debt be forgiven?
  • Are online courses as good as traditional courses?
  • Is tenure a good thing or a bad thing for educators?
  • Should teachers be armed in the classroom?
  • Is corporal punishment an effective form of discipline?
  • Are charter schools held to different standards than public schools?
  • Do private schools have an unfair advantage in college admissions?
  • Should affirmative action be banned in college admissions?
  • Is the current system of college admissions fair?
  • Should standardized test scores be a factor in college admissions decisions?
  • Should colleges and universities consider race or ethnicity in their admissions decisions?
  • Should legacy preferences be eliminated from the college admissions process?
  • Do for-profit colleges and universities take advantage of students?
  • Should the federal government do more to regulate for-profit colleges and universities?
  • Is distance learning a good option for all students?
  • Do homeschooled students have an unfair advantage in college admissions?
  • Should the government provide free community college for all Americans?
  • Is vocational training a better option than a four-year degree for some students?
  • Should all students be required to complete community service hours before graduating high school?
  • Arecharter schools held to different academic standards than public schools?
  • Should all students be required to take a gap year before attending college?

Educational Debate Topic Ideas

  • Should schools be teaching vocational skills instead of academic subjects?
  • Should the school day start later?
  • Should students be able to choose their own classes?
  • Should schools ban homework?
  • Should standardized tests be abolished?
  • Are charter schools a good idea?
  • Is homeschooling a good option for families?
  • Should Religion be taught in schools?
  • Are single-sex schools better than co-ed schools?
  • Should all schools be bilingual?
  • How can we make sure all children have access to quality education?
  • Is it necessary to go to college to be successful in life?
  • How can we reduce the drop-out rate in high schools?
  • What should be done about overcrowded classrooms?
  • Is corporal punishment an effective way to discipline children?
  • Are after-school activities important for students?
  • What is the best way to deal with bullying in schools?
  • How can we make sure all children receive a well-rounded education?
  • What is the best way to teach childrenabout sex education?
  • Should schools be teaching financial literacy?
  • How can we make sure all students have access to technology?
  • What is the best way to deal with cheating in schools?
  • Should schools be teaching character education?
  • How can we make sure all children are physically active?
  • Should schools be doing more to promote healthy eating habits?
  • What is the best way to deal with disruptive students in class?
  • How can we improve teacher training and professional development?
  • What is education policy in your country?
  • Is your country’s education system effective? Why or why not?

Controversial Education Debate Topics

  • Is homeschooling a good or bad idea?
  • Should schools be allowed to teach creationism alongside evolution?
  • Is it necessary for all students to learn a foreign language?
  • Should the school day be shorter or longer?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Are charter schools a good or bad idea?
  • Should schools be more focused on academics or on extracurricular activities?
  • How much homework should students be given?
  • Should teachers be armed in schools?
  • Should prayer be allowed in school?
  • Are year-round schools a good idea?
  • Is it a good idea to have standardized tests?
  • Should sex education be taught in schools?
  • Should evolution be taught in schools?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their own work?
  • Is competition among students a good thing or a bad thing?

Find out more on  How to write DNP capstone project Methodology Chapter ,  How to write a DNP Capstone Project Literature Review ,  How to write a DNP capstone project chapter 1 – Introduction , and  DNP Capstone project Abstract Examples [Outline & How-to]  (how to write your nursing dissertation pdf)

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Have a subject expert write for you now, have a subject expert finish your paper for you, edit my paper for me, have an expert write your dissertation's chapter.

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

  • Success Stories
  • AI Scholar Program
  • Startup Internship Program
  • Research Scholar Program
  • GOALS Academic Support Program
  • Test Prep Program
  • Passion Project Program
  • For Families
  • For Schools
  • For Employers
  • Partnerships

Content Guides

  • News And Awards
  • College Admissions
  • Events and Webinars

College Prep: 100+ Debate Topics for High Schoolers

Applications.

  • Pre-Application
  • Acceptance Rates
  • Exams (ACT, AP, SAT)
  • Extracurricular(s)
  • Interviews & Networking
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Research Projects
  • Summer Programs
  • Arts (Fine & Performing)
  • Business & Economics
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Humanities & Social Science
  • Mathematics
  • Hard Sciences

Grade Levels

  • High School
  • Undergraduate
  • Middle School

Sophia Minhas

Sophia Minhas

College admissions creative designer and lead admissions expert, table of contents.

  • Good High School Debate Topics 

Preparing for success

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

College Prep: 100+ Debate Topics for High Schoolers

When seeking out extracurriculars that will impress college admissions officers, many high school students turn to Debate Club. Debating is an essential life skill that college educated professionals especially will use in a range of settings throughout their careers. It’s also useful for those college-level discussions that you’re headed for in your university classes.  If you’ve joined a debate club or team at your high school, or you’re running one for students, you’ll want to consider using debate topics for high school that give young debaters exposure to college prep topics and debating skills.

college admissions strategy event

Good High School Debate Topics 

What makes a good debate topic? Great debate topics for high school students should be engaging, relevant, and encourage critical thinking. It’s important to choose debate topics that have clear arguments and sides. Students need to be able to research to support their arguments, so choose topics that have strong data points. It’s also important to choose topics that are of interest to the students, moderators, and audience. Interesting topics will inevitably create a more interesting debate. 

To help you get started, here are some examples of high school debate topics that will equip learners with knowledge and skills they need for a successful college career, and beyond:

Health and Wellness Topics

Health and wellness debates can be influenced by individual beliefs, values, and ideologies. People may have strong convictions about specific health practices making this an engaging topic to debate. Overall, health and wellness high school debate topics help students engage and understand the complexities of the health industry and make informed decisions for their own wellbeing.  Examples include:

Are GMOs in food safe?

Are supplemental vitamins necessary? 

Do workout supplements improve performance?

Should caffeine be a controlled substance for athletes?

Should athletes be allowed to use performance enhancing drugs? 

Should the drinking age be increased to 25?

Should drinking alcohol be outlawed?

Should psychedelic mushrooms be legalized? 

Should the government provide free healthcare? 

Should health insurance be eliminated? 

Should the government impose a tax on “junk food”?

Is access to healthcare a basic right? 

Should drivers be charged for driving when sleep deprived, even if no harm was caused?

Should vaping be outlawed?

What are the drawbacks of a minimalist lifestyle?

Has the legalization of marijuana been beneficial to the health of humans?

Should alternative medicines and treatments be used in hospitals?

Do desk jobs that require sitting cause long term health problems?

Should health insurance cover alternative treatments like massage and chiropractic 

Is the portrayal of beauty in the media creating destructive health habits like eating disorders?

Does requiring vaccinations in schools protect students from sickness?

Is the push for body positivity helpful or harmful?

What is the role of meditation and mindfulness in reducing stress?

Speech Topic

Science and Technology Topics

Science and technology debates allow students to look to the future and discuss thought provoking scenarios of possible outcomes that will impact society. Ever changing technology opens up questions of ethical and moral advancements and the role of government regulations – think AI, social media, and robotics. These topics give students an opportunity to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a variety of technological advancements. 

Should cell phones be used in class?

Should Chatgpt be used in classrooms?

Should children use computers in elementary school?

Do video games promote brain development?

Do video games promote violence? 

Should governments have access to private citizens data? 

Is AI a threat to jobs and the economy?

Who should be held responsible if an autonomous vehicle causes an accident? 

Should self-driving cars be programmed to protect the driver or others on the road?

Should people have the right to remove their information from online sources?

Are big tech companies, like Google, monopolies and should they be broken up?

Is wearable technology harmful to the wearer?  

Is deepfake technology a threat to public safety?

Do drones impact personal privacy? 

What are the long term effects of screen time on children’s development and well-being?

Educational Topics

High school students are in the trenches of the educational system and have strong opinions about what’s working and not working from their personal perspective. High school debate topics centered on education gives them the voice and platform to shape their own experience as students, and opens them up to new ideas to implement in their own schools. 

Should parents control the curriculum in their children’s school?

Do uniforms help improve student success rates?

Are standardized tests improving comprehension?

Should schools focus on more art education? 

Should students choose a career path in high school? 

Is homeschooling a better option vs. traditional school?

Should religion ever be taught in public education?

Do students with access to private school education have better careers?

Should STEM be the #1 focus of education?

Should social and emotional learning be taught in elementary schools?

Should classrooms be accommodating to neurodivergent students? 

Should public funds be used for charter and private school?

Should college tuition be paid by the government like public schools?

Do classroom curriculums stifle creativity?

business meeting

Social Topics

Debating the social issues that affect their personal lives gives students a chance to advocate for new ways of thinking, and be open to learning other perspectives. High school students are often interested in championing for a more just and equitable society, and debate topics for high school is one avenue for them to do so. These topics can help students grow into the social change leaders of tomorrow – or today!

Should art be censored?

Are zoos ethical in their treatment of animals? 

Should convicted felons be allowed to vote?

Should misinformation be censored on social media? 

Should algorithms be regulated on social media?

What are the effects of city planning on the well-being of a society?

Should anyone be able to immigrate to another country?

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the sharing economy as an alternative to traditional consumerism?

Is mass farming ethical in the treatment of animals?

Would the introduction of public transportation result in better communities?

Should there be an age limit in the workplace? 

What is the impact of consumerism on mental health, including issues like materialism and retail therapy?

How can police departments be reformed to reduce violence?

What is the impact of the influencer movement on social media?

Should developed countries provide financial aid to support developing nations?

Is pet ownership an ethical practice that maintains animal rigths?

How can we address the homeless epidemic? 

Is the pursuit of early retirement a viable and fulfilling lifestyle choice?

What policies should be implemented to decrease the wealth gap?

Should there be stricter regulations on gun control? 

Is the foster care system harmful to children?

Should military funding be used in the promotion of peace initiatives? 

Does voluntourism harm local communities?

Is cohabitation before marriage beneficial or harmful to relationships?

Environmental Topics

High school students must prepare to inherit the world. And the world has an array of environmental challenges, which have a real-time impact and consequences that students can see in their own communities. High school debate topics that address the environment allow them to explore potential solutions and be part of the efforts to address environmental problems they will be tasked to solve in the coming years. 

Should nuclear energy be used as a primary energy source? 

Should wind turbines be built in populated communities? 

Is space exploration a top priority for humanity? 

Is travel damaging to the environment and local communities? 

Should private jets be regulated to reduce carbon emissions?

Should bees be protected to increase food production?

Is light pollution causing harm to local wildlife?

Do carbon offsetting programs work? 

What are appropriate actions for addressing climate change?

Should companies be required to offset their carbon footprint? 

Is noise pollution causing harm to local wildlife?

Should non-native grasses and plants be removed from communities? 

Is fast fashion a rising issue when it comes to environmental pollution? 

Should there be greater emphasis on product quality and durability to promote sustainable consumer choices?

how volunteering strengthens your college application

Political Issues

Debating political issues gets students to be active in the democratic process, even if they are not of voting age. Many political issues are current events, which many high school students are drawn to. Politically-focused debate topics for high school helps students explore issues that are relevant to their generation, and shows they can contribute to shaping the future of their communities and their country.

Should there be federal regulations on misinformation spread via social media?

Should the government restrict access to social media sites if there’s a threat of international 

Does a two party political system fully represent the needs of all members of society?

What changes, if any, should be made to the electoral system to improve representation and accountability?

Is cyber security a top priority to protect the voting process? 

Should there be changes to voting laws to increase voter participation and accessibility?

Should there be term limits set on all political seats?

How can the criminal justice system be reformed to address issues of racial disparities?

Should there be age minimums and maximums for government positions?

Is there enough political representation to recognize the rights of young people?

Should there be more youth outreach to increase interest in political issues?

What actions should governments take to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability?

How can governments ensure equal access to quality education?

Should social welfare programs be expanded or limited, and how can they best support those in need?

The ability to debate – and convince – is that takes practice and dedication to master. Using college prep debate topics for high school, and with guidance from teachers and mentors, high school students can become confident debaters while learning life skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Studying debate equips high school students with lifelong skills that are beneficial in academic, personal, and professional pursuits, making it a rewarding and enriching educational experience. In other words, the ultimate college prep.

Share this article:

College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

12 Best Colleges for Marine Biology

12 Best Colleges for Marine Biology

Gelyna Price

How Difficult Is a Triple College Major? Hear from Students

Julia de Raadt

The Complete List of BS/MD Programs (2024)

educational topics for debate

150 Fun Debate Topics for Students of All Ages

by Sara Ipatenco

While debates can get heated, they are a powerful tool for learning. Older kids can debate societal issues while younger children can argue for more innocent and silly ideas. Whatever the topic, students will build critical thinking skills , hone their public speaking abilities , increase their self-confidence, remember more of what they learn, engage respectfully with their peers, and understand that there are more viewpoints and opinions than their own. Here are 150 debate topics to get your students engaged in the learning process.

Debate topics for elementary students

  • Save or spend your allowance?
  • Ketchup or ranch dressing on fries?
  • School uniforms or pick your own clothes?
  • Which is better: the book or the movie?
  • Water park or amusement park?
  • Laptop or tablet?
  • Which is a better pet: a dog or a cat?
  • Which is more fun? The zoo or a museum?
  • Is it better to travel by car or by airplane?
  • Do ghosts exist?
  • Paper or plastic bags?
  • Eat meat or become a vegetarian?
  • Tap water or bottled water?
  • Is it better to give or to receive?
  • Stay up late or get up early?
  • Cartoons or documentaries?
  • Football or soccer?
  • Which would be more fun, a field trip or a day off from school?
  • Is homework educational?
  • Year-round school with 3-day weekends or summer break?
  • Stay at home or go on vacation?
  • Is it more fun to visit the beach or the forest?
  • Hot weather or cold weather?
  • Would you rather take a test or do a large project to show what you know?
  • Should children do chores at home?
  • Soda or Gatorade?
  • Should junk food be banned in the school cafeteria?
  • Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
  • Which is scarier? Spiders or scorpions?
  • Hamburgers or hot dogs?
  • Would you rather do an art project or play a sport?
  • Which is more dangerous: a lion or a hippo?
  • Would you rather be a police officer or a firefighter?
  • Would you rather ride a bike or a scooter?
  • Skiing or snowboarding?
  • Who was the better president? George Washington or Abraham Lincoln?
  • Is pineapple a good pizza topping?
  • Which superpower would be better: super strength or invisibility?
  • Country music or rock and roll?
  • Swings or slides?
  • Which is more important: math or reading?
  • Should teachers grade handwriting?
  • Which are more fun: video games or board games?
  • Would you rather have a real Christmas tree or a fake one?
  • What is a better place to live: the city or the country?
  • Pencils or pens?
  • Crayons or markers?
  • Are clowns scary or funny?
  • Is it important to make your bed every morning?
  • Hot chocolate or chocolate milkshake?
  • Is Bigfoot real?
  • Who is the better superhero? Batman or Superman?
  • Should kids watch TV during the week?
  • Should you have to go to school on your birthday?
  • Would you rather have a dragon or a unicorn?
  • Cupcakes or cookies?
  • Camping or staying in a hotel?
  • McDonalds or Burger King?
  • Pepsi or Coke?
  • If you could choose to be famous, would you?
  • Indoor or outdoor recess?
  • Would robots be helpful or harmful?
  • Which tastes better? Chocolate or fruit-flavored candy?
  • Tacos or burritos?
  • Should teachers wear a uniform?
  • In-person learning or remote learning?
  • Should teachers make more money than sports players?
  • Would you rather go to space or explore the ocean?
  • Which is more fun? A treehouse or a fort?
  • Scary movies or funny movies?
  • Which would you rather do: a science experiment or an art project?
  • Is it better to buy books or check them out from the library?
  • Which is better? Disneyland or Disneyworld?
  • Which would help you more: learning to cook or learning to sew?
  • Is it more fun to swim in a pool or in the ocean?

Debate topics for middle and high school students

  • Should kids have smartphones?
  • Should anyone under age 18 be allowed to vote for president?
  • Should boys and girls go to different schools?
  • Should kids who can drive be allowed to leave school for lunch?
  • Which is more important: happiness or success?
  • Should children be allowed to use social media?
  • Is it ever OK to cheat?
  • Should high school students have a job?
  • Should schools replace paper and pens with computers?
  • Do sports and movie stars make too much money?
  • Should children be allowed to get tattoos?
  • Do you think computers will ever replace teachers?
  • Should kids be allowed to pray at school?
  • Is the death penalty a good form of punishment?
  • Should all homes have solar panels?
  • Should drugs be made legal?
  • Should schools have armed guards?
  • Should students be allowed to say curse words?
  • Should older kids still get recess?
  • Are dress codes good for schools?
  • Do violent video games make kids more violent?
  • Would you rather have tons of money or live forever?
  • Should everyone go to college?
  • Should schools have surveillance cameras?
  • Vegetarian or eat meat?
  • Should everyone make the team?
  • Is it better to always tell the truth or to always be kind?
  • Is there life on other planets?
  • Would you rather read a fantasy story or a biography?
  • Which is more dangerous: zombies or vampires?
  • Would you rather write a book or a movie script?
  • Play an instrument or play a sport?
  • Musicals or movies?
  • What is the worst day of the week?
  • Is Pluto really a planet or not?
  • Which is more fun? Going out with friends or staying home?
  • Which is a better job: working in a restaurant or working in a store?
  • Is Robin Hood a thief or a hero?
  • Does jail deter criminals?
  • Would you rather have a library card or a credit card?
  • Would you rather be famous with no money or not famous with lots of money?
  • Is it better to be good at school or good at sports?
  • Should students be required to volunteer?
  • Should schools ban books from their libraries?
  • Should schools teach cooking and sewing?
  • Who faces more peer pressure: girls or boys?
  • Should cigarettes be illegal?
  • Should vaccines be mandatory?
  • Should Supreme Court justices have a set term limit?
  • Should countries be able to have nuclear weapons?
  • Is testing on animals good or bad?
  • Is reality television realistic?
  • Should parents track where their kids are using cell phones?
  • Is prom fun or not?
  • Is artificial intelligence good for humans?
  • Is global warming real?
  • Should rich people share their money with poor people?
  • Would you rather read a newspaper or watch the news?
  • Do grades matter?
  • Should teachers stop giving tests?
  • Should you be allowed to use your phone at school whenever you want?
  • Is it cheating for friends to do their homework together?
  • Should kids be allowed to use TikTok?
  • Should parents buy kids everything they want?
  • Should the school day be longer or shorter?
  • Would you rather go to college or get a job after high school?
  • Should teenagers have a curfew?
  • Should kids be considered adults as soon as they turn 18?
  • Would having a lot of money make life easier?
  • Are teenagers overscheduled?
  • What is the right amount of homework?
  • Should schools have metal detectors?
  • Are group projects or independent projects better?
  • Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?
  • Is elementary or high school more fun?

Take your teaching to a higher level by introducing one or more of these debate topics into your lesson plans. You might even ask your students to come up with their own debate topics so they can discuss what interests them. As they research and discuss, your students will learn so much about the debate topic while considering a wide variety of viewpoints and ideas.

150 Fun Debate Topics for Students of All Ages

RELATED POSTS

Creating A Climate For Questioning in Your Classroom

TREAT YO' INBOX!

All the trending teacher stories, resources, videos, memes, podcasts, deals, and the laughter you need in your life!

TheHighSchooler

35 Political Debate Topics For High School Students

Have you ever witnessed a healthy and heated political debate that made you think critically about important issues? Political debates are not only engaging but also provide an excellent opportunity to teach high school students valuable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and active citizenship.

However, selecting the right topic that captures students’ interest and sparks curiosity is essential for a successful and productive debate. Let’s dive into some factors to consider when choosing a thought-provoking and balanced topic for high school political debates.

In this article, we will provide some potential political debate topics for high school students that can encourage them to consider different perspectives, evaluate complex issues, and become informed and engaged citizens.

Engaging political debate topics for high school students

Politics is an inevitable aspect of life as citizens of a country. As a result, students must learn about politics, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by engaging them in political debates, and also using them in some public speaking camps !

 If you are an educator seeking political debate topics to engage your students, you need not search any further since we have compiled a list of topics that you can utilize in your classroom anytime.

  • Should the voting age be changed?
  • Should education be free for all students?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Should the government regulate social media?
  • Should the government invest more in renewable energy?
  • Should military spending be increased or decreased?
  • Should taxes on the wealthy be increased or decreased?
  • Should single-use plastic products be banned?
  • Should the minimum wage be increased?
  • Should the government implement a wealth tax?
  • Should the government regulate birth control?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should healthcare be a basic human right, and if so, how can it be made affordable for everyone?
  • How can governments address climate change?
  • How can income inequality be reduced?
  • How can we ensure that everyone has equal access to the right to vote?
  • How can personal data be protected while ensuring national security?
  • How can we promote fairness and equity for all people?
  • What should social media platforms do to regulate content and address issues such as fake news and hate speech?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the government provide a universal basic income for all?
  • Should standardized testing be eliminated in schools?
  • Should the government provide free public Wi-Fi?
  • Should the government increase funding for public libraries?
  • Should the government provide free childcare for working parents?
  • Should the government make strict regulations for companies to be more environmentally friendly to run?
  • Should the government provide free menstrual products for all women
  • Mobile banking is not a safe procedure.
  • Should Birth control pills or contraception be available to teenagers? Or Implementation of sex education subjects in high school by the government
  • Is free speech a personal right?
  • How should governments address the issue of illegal immigration while protecting human rights and maintaining national security?
  • How can governments ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated equally under the law and protected from discrimination in all aspects of their lives?
  • What can the government do to help homeless people, and how can we work together to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place?
  • Should the government regulate the internet to protect people’s privacy and prevent cyberbullying, or should the internet be completely free and unregulated?

Political debate topics

Benefits of political debates topics for high schoolers: How it helps to shape them as individual

Participating in political debates can have several benefits for high schoolers.

  • Firstly, it provides them with a platform to express their opinions and ideas in a safe and constructive environment. This helps them build confidence and develop their public speaking skills, which can be useful in many areas of life. You can also start engaging grade 4th and 5th students with easy debate topics to prepare them from the start.
  • Secondly, much like argumentative research topics , political debate topics require students to research and analyze complex issues, which can help them develop critical thinking and analytical skills. They learn how to evaluate information from different sources, weigh the pros and cons of different arguments, and come to their own conclusions. 
  • Thirdly, political debates expose students to different perspectives and ideas. They learn to listen to others, respect differing opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue. This can help them develop empathy and understanding for people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
  • Lastly, political debates help students become more engaged and informed citizens. They learn about current events and how they can make a difference in their communities. This can inspire them to become active participants in the democratic process, whether by voting, volunteering, or advocating for change.

Rember as a teacher can play a crucial role in selecting a balanced topic, providing clear guidelines, mediating the debate, and facilitating a reflective debriefing session as the debate end. To make the whole experience smooth and effective for students.

So, as we have explored various topics, and learned various benefits of political debates. You can also explore some critical thinking books to start brainstorming for your next debate!

educational topics for debate

Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The 10 Education Issues Everybody Should Be Talking About

educational topics for debate

  • Share article

What issues have the potential to define—or re define—education in the year ahead? Is there a next “big thing” that could shift the K-12 experience or conversation?

These were the questions Education Week set out to answer in this second annual “10 Big Ideas in Education” report.

You can read about last year’s ideas here . In 2019, though, things are different.

This year, we asked Education Week reporters to read the tea leaves and analyze what was happening in classrooms, school districts, and legislatures across the country. What insights could reporters offer practitioners for the year ahead?

Some of the ideas here are speculative. Some are warning shots, others more optimistic. But all 10 of them here have one thing in common: They share a sense of urgency.

Accompanied by compelling illustrations and outside perspectives from leading researchers, advocates, and practitioners, this year’s Big Ideas might make you uncomfortable, or seem improbable. The goal was to provoke and empower you as you consider them.

Let us know what you think, and what big ideas matter to your classroom, school, or district. Tweet your comments with #K12BigIdeas .

No. 1: Kids are right. School is boring.

Illustration of a student who is bored in class

Out-of-school learning is often more meaningful than anything that happens in a classroom, writes Kevin Bushweller, the Executive Editor of EdWeek Market Brief. His essay tackling the relevance gap is accompanied by a Q&A with advice on nurturing, rather than stifling students’ natural curiosity. Read more.

No. 2: Teachers have trust issues. And it’s no wonder why.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Many teachers may have lost faith in the system, says Andrew Ujifusa, but they haven’t lost hope. The Assistant Editor unpacks this year’s outbreak of teacher activism. And read an account from a disaffected educator on how he built a coalition of his own. Read more.

No. 3: Special education is broken.

Conceptual Illustration of a special education puzzle with missing pieces

Forty years since students with disabilities were legally guaranteed a public school education, many still don’t receive the education they deserve, writes Associate Editor Christina A. Samuels. Delve into her argument and hear from a disability civil rights pioneer on how to create an equitable path for students. Read more.

No. 4: Schools are embracing bilingualism, but only for some students.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Staff Writer Corey Mitchell explains the inclusion problem at the heart of bilingual education. His essay includes a perspective from a researcher on dismantling elite bilingualism. Read more.

No. 5: A world without annual testing may be closer than you think.

BRIC ARCHIVE

There’s agreement that we have a dysfunctional standardized-testing system in the United States, Associate Editor Stephen Sawchuk writes. But killing it would come with some serious tradeoffs. Sawchuk’s musing on the alternatives to annual tests is accompanied by an argument for more rigorous classroom assignments by a teacher-practice expert. Read more.

No. 6: There are lessons to be learned from the educational experiences of black students in military families.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Drawing on his personal experience growing up in an Air Force family, Staff Writer Daarel Burnette II highlights emerging research on military-connected students. Learn more about his findings and hear from two researchers on what a new ESSA mandate means for these students. Read more.

No. 7: School segregation is not an intractable American problem.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Racial and economic segregation remains deeply entrenched in American schools. Staff Writer Denisa R. Superville considers the six steps one district is taking to change that. Her analysis is accompanied by an essay from the president of the American Educational Research Association on what is perpetuating education inequality. Read more.

No. 8: Consent doesn’t just belong in sex ed. class. It needs to start a lot earlier.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Assistant Editor Sarah D. Sparks looked at the research on teaching consent and found schools and families do way too little, way too late. Her report is partnered with a researcher’s practical guide to developmentally appropriate consent education. Read more.

No. 9: Education has an innovation problem.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Are education leaders spending too much time chasing the latest tech trends to maintain what they have? Staff Writer Benjamin Herold explores the innovation trap. Two technologists offer three tips for putting maintenance front and center in school management. Read more.

No. 10: There are two powerful forces changing college admissions.

BRIC ARCHIVE

Some colleges are rewriting the admissions script for potential students. Senior Contributing Writer Catherine Gewertz surveys this changing college admissions landscape. Her insights are accompanied by one teacher’s advice for navigating underserved students through the college application process. Read more.

Wait, there’s more.

Want to know what educators really think about innovation? A new Education Week Research Center survey delves into what’s behind the common buzzword for teachers, principals, and district leaders. Take a look at the survey results.

A version of this article appeared in the January 09, 2019 edition of Education Week as What’s on the Horizon for 2019?

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs, sign up & sign in.

module image 9

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION image

The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. President Biden will deliver a headline speech this evening.

  • Tonight at the DNC

'You never know': Some argue school cellphone bans are dangerous, others say it's needed

by Chelsea Sick, WKRC

(WKRC)

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Cell phone bans are hot topics as students return to school this year.

A number of local districts are locking up cellphones for the entire school day. Some critics worry about school safety, but school safety experts say it could lead to safer schools.

"You never know when someone's going to make their way into a school and snatch up a child," said mom Jessica Chupka. "They didn't have their cellphone, so, oh, they couldn't contact mom or dad or hit that button to call 911 or whatever."

Chupka is not a fan of Lebanon School District's new cellphone policy. Students there will not have access to their cellphones during any and all class periods.

Local 12 posted a video on Facebook of CPS' new cellphone pouches. All CPS students in seventh through 12th grade will lock their phones in those this school year. The post generated 3,500 comments. Some of those people said they were against cellphone bans for safety reasons.

"So, in the event of a shooting, you really think kids are going to have time to find an unlocking station to access their phones," Nina Fields said.

Dee Davis said her kids didn't have cell phones growing up, but if they were in school now, they would have phones.

"Today's world is different. Too many school shootings and too many bullies. If I had children in the school system in these times," Davis said. "They would absolutely have a cell phone in case of emergencies."

Dan Hils is a retired police officer and runs a private school security business.

"If you ask me to weigh in one way or the other, I think there's more benefit to them not having cell phones than the reverse," Hils said.

School safety expert Dr. Ken Trump, who isn't related to the former president, agrees with Hils.

"During a critical incident, cell phones going off, lighting up, phones ringing, kids live streaming, texting messages, and talking can all be distractions from getting adults directives to keep them safe," said Dr. Trump.

He said those sounds can also tip off a bad guy in the building.

"It's not black and white," Dr. Trump said. "There are legitimate arguments on each side. There's certainly the emotional connection for parents wanting that emotional security blanket, that connection to their kids, and as a parent, I understand that."

He said that each district will have to make a policy that's best for them and the families who attend.

“I think the teachers should have them in a spot in the classroom, where if something were to happen in that classroom with that teacher, they could get them," Chupka said.

Cincinnati Public Superintendent Shauna Murphy said that in an emergency, parents can call the school's office to reach their child. She also said that in an immediate emergency, staff will be available to unlock pouches so students can get on their phones.

Click here to see Lebanon Schools explain its cell phone policy and addresses parent concerns.

educational topics for debate

Church, state and the Texas Legislature: Debate heats up over what students should learn

House hearing focuses on a curriculum plan and on school vouchers.

Odessa High School students walk between classes Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 in Odessa.

Sign up for The Brief , The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

Texas lawmakers on Monday sparred during a hearing over two topics expected to consume much of the public education debate during the 2025 legislative session: religion in schools and education savings accounts.

The House Public Education Committee began the public hearing with testimony from Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. Later, there were questions from at least one Democrat about an education commission proposal that would infuse Bible teachings into elementary school English and Language Arts curriculum pending State Board of Education approval in November. If approved, the decision to adopt the curriculum would rest with school districts. Those that do adopt it would receive an incentive of up to $60 per student.

Rep. James Talarico , D-Austin, spoke to Morath about what many in recent weeks have described as a bias toward Christianity in the educational materials, which they believe could violate church-state separation and alienate Texas children whose families oppose government support for a single faith.

“I can tell you, there is a difference between teaching and preaching,” Talarico said. “And in my opinion, these passages, which appear at length throughout the curriculum … they are preaching under federal law.”

Talarico specifically pointed to a kindergarten lesson that teaches the Golden Rule as a core value of the Bible, despite the fact that many other religions have their own versions of it. He raised concerns that teachers are not adequately equipped to teach complex lessons on religion.

Talarico also questioned Morath on what involvement organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, had in the development of the materials, alluding to a report from the education news organization The 74 citing the foundation as one of the materials’ vendors.

The Austin Democrat also asked the commissioner whether he personally thought that the curriculum violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits states from endorsing or promoting an official religion. He noted a provision in House Bill 1605 , the law directing the TEA to create its own free-to-use textbooks with the goal of helping teachers save time preparing for classes, that protects instructors from discipline in the event that allegations are raised about an establishment clause violation.

Morath, who said that he did not have the curriculum material in front of him at the hearing, argued that it references other religions, that the education commission was open to making adjustments where appropriate, that he doesn’t believe the curriculum is biased toward Christianity, and that the development and review process has included a broad set of perspectives.

“What I want to make clear is that we are responsive to feedback,” Morath said, “that we're identifying accuracies and/or inaccuracies in the material and make modifications so that this is what Texas families would want for their children to learn while they're in elementary school.”

The materials received backing from some Republicans on the panel, who said their constituents have been craving materials like the ones proposed and, as one lawmaker said, see that the mission of public schools is “to teach the belief systems that form the founding principles of our country.”

“The simple truth is that all world religions did not have an equal impact on why we're here today," said Rep. Matt Schaefer , a Tyler Republican. “I don't think we should ever be ashamed of mentioning the name of Jesus in our curriculum or shying away from the role of Christianity in developing this country, developing Western civilization and developing the very American and legal system that brings us here … today as lawmakers.”

Efforts to infuse more Christianity in schools across the nation are currently facing several legal challenges, but legal experts note that recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority have eroded decades of precedent and made it unclear what state actions are unconstitutional. In its 2022 ruling on Kennedy v. Bremerton, for example, the high court found that a Washington high school football coach did not violate the First Amendment by conducting personal prayers on the field after team games.

“I want us to meet the needs of our constituents, meet the needs of our students,” Talarico said in response to GOP criticism of his remarks. “All I'm asking … is that we respect and obey the United States Constitution while we're doing it.”

School vouchers: findings from other states

Separately, a panel of experts on education savings accounts and school vouchers in other states provided recommendations to Texas lawmakers. Education savings accounts allow for parents to use tax dollars to pay for private school tuition and expenses like tutoring and school supplies, while vouchers primarily go toward tuition. Both terms are often used interchangeably.

The nation’s largest voucher programs give most of their funds to religious schools, according to a Washington Post analysis. In Arizona, a model for voucher programs across the country, the state is facing a billion-dollar budget shortfall largely attributable to new voucher spending.

On Monday, however, the panelists highlighted what they see as the biggest needs for a successful program, namely eliminating onerous barriers to access and allowing for a wide variety of educational expenses to be approved.

“While the challenge of navigating through significant parent choice policies is a difficult one, both legislatively and politically, it represents the future of education,” said Robyn Bagley, executive director of Utah Education Fits All. “We exist in an ever-changing world where we have the ability to customize nearly everything in our lives. This shift to an ESA-style approach is a harbinger of a more dynamic, responsive and inclusive educational landscape where the needs and choices of families take center stage.”

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott made creating an education savings account program his top legislative priority, holding hostage any additional base-level public school funding along the way. A coalition of Democrats and rural Republicans killed the proposal.

Abbott has vowed to make a similar push next year after helping oust many of his GOP colleagues who voted against the measure, citing his belief that he now has enough support to get it passed through the Legislature.

Education savings account opponents echoed many of their reservations on Monday, most notably their belief that it would siphon money away from public schools that are already struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising inflation and expiring pandemic relief funds.

They also raised concerns about holding private schools accountable for ensuring they aren’t exacerbating school segregation, that they are improving student outcomes and that they are providing services to underserved children, like those with disabilities and kids learning English as a second language.

“If we're serving 1% to 8% to the detriment of 92 or 99%, something’s wrong,” said Rep. Steve Allison , R-San Antonio, who lost to an Abbott-backed opponent in the March primary. “That's just not a good business model anyway you want to stretch it.”

Disclosure: The Texas Public Policy Foundation has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here .

The full program is now LIVE for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival , happening Sept. 5–7 in downtown Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations on topics covering education, the economy, Texas and national politics, criminal justice, the border, the 2024 elections and so much more. See the full program.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership .

Information about the authors

Jaden Edison’s staff photo

Jaden Edison

Public education reporter.

[email protected]

@edisonjaden

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies , including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics

Politics Public education State government

  • DE Politics
  • Investigations
  • National Politics

Candidates for Delaware governor debate education, infrastructure and integrity

educational topics for debate

Candidates battling to become Delaware's next governor laid out their plans Thursday for education, infrastructure, immigration and other key issues.

The Rotary Club of Wilmington hosted a state gubernatorial debate on Thursday afternoon. The debate followed a similar Wednesday night event held by the Delaware Journalism Collaborative .

Five of the six candidates facing off next month in the Delaware primaries participated in Thursday's debate: Democrats Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and former Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara; and Republicans Delaware House Rep. Mike Ramone and businessman Bobby Williamson – met to discuss key issues surrounding the First State.

The third Republican candidate, Jerrold Price, did not attend.

What did the candidates talk about?

After opening remarks, each candidate faced questions on a variety of topics.

Candidates were asked what actions they would take as Governor if federal deportation of immigrants was implemented. The question referenced a recent WHYY report regarding the difficulties many immigrants in both the First State and the country face in obtaining citizenship

O’Mara said he would take steps to help Delaware become “the most welcoming state” for immigrant communities, including providing access to affordable housing and quality education.

Ramone stated he would “go to the problem itself” and find new ways of amending and modifying different pathways to citizenship to be more attainable and achievable via bipartisan support.

Candidates were asked what policies or initiatives candidates would implement to expand early childhood education across the First State.

Williamson advocated for private, charter and vocational schools as additional choices for children and parents alike.

Meyer talked about the importance “quality [and] top-notch” education, proposing working alongside businesses to provide incentives for on-set childcare and initiating early nursing programs and partnerships for low-income families.

Another question focused on candidates’ strategies for updating and restoring statewide infrastructure.

Williamson noted the importance of community input when making improvements to infrastructure and overall efficiency, such as addressing which roads and pathways need repair.

Citing his past experiences lobbying for the passage of legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, O’Mara said we need to preserve the framework of the past while also “building the infrastructure of the 21 st century,” such as utilizing clean and renewable energy resources like solar power and offshore wind.

Candidates were asked how they would best reflect the core values upheld by the Rotary Club – which include service, leadership, diversity, fellowship and integrity – in their respective administrations.

Hall-Long said she has embodied these same values throughout her years in public service, and how, as a self-described “innovator,” plans to invest in fair, equitable solutions that work for all.

Meyer said he abides by those same values in his role as New Castle County Executive, establishing this expectation for all employees and members of his team on day one to be “a government of principles” that best serves the needs of all people – an expectation, he says, he plans to take with him to the Governor’s office.

Candidates also were asked how they would contribute to the presence of arts and culture throughout the First State.

Citing the influence of his own family, Ramone explained how continued investment of the arts across Delaware will not only help preserve the value and appreciation for the field, but also unite people across different political lines together.

Hall-Long stressed how supporting the “creative economy” of Delaware, specifically uplifting the presence of women and BIPOC-owned businesses, as being “absolutely paramount.”

For their last question, candidates were asked why Delawareans should vote for them in the upcoming primary elections, set to take place on Sept. 10.

Hall-Long reiterated her intentions to better strengthen state education and healthcare systems, saying “innovation [and] new ideas is what you’ll get” under her leadership.

Meyer said, in order to better prepare for the future of Delaware, change must start in the present, including electing leaders that “have public service, not self-service.”

O’Mara noted how his campaign is about making “significant changes” that provide hope and opportunity for the next and for future generations.

Ramone stated how his experiences as both a businessman and state House Representative has shaped him into the kind of “problem-solver” who will do their best for the First State.

A third-generation Bridgeville resident, Williamson credited his knowledge of the area and his belief in granting everyone a voice will lead Delaware into a brighter, more equitable future.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at [email protected] .

An in-depth look: Delaware's governor race gets crowded with 3-way primary for Republicans, Democrats

educational topics for debate

Select Region or Brand

  • Manage Subscription

Upcoming Event

Top Companies to Work for in 2024

  • Morning Scoop Videos
  • Public Notice
  • Capitol Store
  • Legislature
  • Governor’s Office
  • Legislative Maps
  • Digital Edition
  • Women Who Lead
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Submit Opinions
  • Upcoming Events
  • Morning Scoop
  • Best of the Capitol
  • Leaders of the Year
  • Women Achievers of Arizona
  • Arizona Capitol Cap Under 40
  • 2023 Top Companies
  • Email Alerts
  • Newsroom Bios
  • Subscriptions
  • Advertise With Us
  • Event Sponsorship

Kari Lake still deciding whether to debate

Bob Christie, Capitol Media Services // August 18, 2024 // [read_meter]

educational topics for debate

Democrat Ruben Gallego is all in on holding a Clean Elections debate with his challenger in the race for an open U.S. Senate seat.

Republican Kari Lake, maybe not so much.

On Friday, Gallego’s campaign told the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, which holds candidate debates that are widely viewed across the state, that he’s prepared to participate under their standard format. But Lake’s campaign has been hesitant to agree, although a campaign spokesman said they are in ongoing “productive conversations” about a Clean Elections debate.

The state commission initially asked all candidates to respond by Friday to scheduling requests. That deadline, however, wasn’t a hard one. And the commission, at the behest of Lake – who has declined to commit so far one way or the other – agreed to give her another week to make up her mind.

What makes Lake’s balking significant is it comes just two years after a dust up when Democrat Katie Hobbs, her foe in the gubernatorial race, refused to face off against her. Arizona PBS, which was hosting the Clean Elections debates at the time, responded by giving Lake what amounted to a half-hour interview.

But the situation was exacerbated by the decision of the station to give Hobbs her own half-hour interview despite her refusal to abide by Clean Elections rules.

That decision, however, was not made by Clean Elections. And the commission in response quickly ended its long-running partnership with PBS to air its debates.

Lake spent much of the remainder of the campaign slamming Hobbs, who eventually pulled out a slim victory, for refusing to debate. For her part, Hobbs’ campaign said any debate with Lake would be a “spectacle.”

This year, Clean Elections announced a new partnership to produce, air and distribute their debates through the Arizona Media Association. Debates were simulcast on multiple television stations before July’s primary election and general election debates will also air statewide on multiple outlets.

Now, however, the shoe is on the other foot for Lake, and she’s apparently not rushing.

Gallego, for his part, is taking full advantage of her failure to decide, saying he is looking forward to participating in the Clean Elections debate “in keeping with Arizona tradition.”

“I believe Arizonans deserve to hear firsthand about the choice in this election between a Marine combat veteran with a lifetime of service and someone who is only in this race for herself,” he said in a prepared statement. “I will spend the next 80 days laser-focused on bringing Arizonans across the political spectrum together to build a better Arizona.”

In a U.S. Senate race that has already seen millions of dollars in television advertising with much more to come, a debate would be the only chance for voters – both undecided and those already committed to a candidate – to see them lay out policy and display their personalities in a side-by-side faceoff. And the result of the election could determine which party controls the Senate.

Gallego’s announcement is not a surprise.

Before Friday, he had publicly said he’s ready to participate in a Clean Elections debate with Lake. But so far Lake’s only public comments since the primary have made it clear she’s still upset with the commission, even though the decision to give time to Hobbs was not the panel’s doing.

She told NBC News earlier this month that she wants to find “a fair place, a fair platform to do that.”

Not doing a debate is politically risky for Lake, who is trailing big in fundraising and behind in all non-partisan polls. A poll sponsored by Republicans and released this week showed the race even, while one released early this month by HighGround, an Arizona consulting and polling firm not affiliated with either campaign, showed Gallego up by 11 percentage points. 

“I think it would be a missed opportunity for Kari Lake to not engage Ruben in a debate,” said Mike Noble, who runs a different Phoenix-based political polling firm.

“He has four times the amount of cash on hand,” Noble said.

“He has the better image right now among the electorate,” he continued “And he has the advantage of polling. Based on these factors, why would she not debate?”

Noble said it would be a “big win for Ruben if Kari doesn’t debate.”

And Stan Barnes, a Republican political consultant and lobbyist, said if Lake refuses to debate, it would be “a head scratcher to me.”

Barnes noted that Lake was well ahead of her primary challenger, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, in both money and refused to debate him. 

“Typically, you don’t debate if you have the advantage,” Barnes said, “Now she’s in the juxtaposed position and she’s not going to debate?”

Whether Lake agrees or not, Gallego will get a chance to use that air time under rules adopted by the Citizens Clean Election Commission, a public board that is required by law to oversee pre-election debates.

Skipping a Clean Elections debate would have been highly unusual before 2022.

The voter-created commission, which funds candidates that agree to forego private campaign funding, oversees many campaign finance rules and does voter outreach, including the debates, has done them for two decades and most major candidates signed on.

But starting in recent years, debates became easier for candidates to skip in Arizona and across the country. Some Republicans were just avoiding mainstream media events and some Democrats like Hobbs pointed to issues with GOP candidates, as she did.  

Share this!

Related Content

educational topics for debate

Republicans scrambled to get Cornel West on the Arizona ballot. The left-wing academic is OK with it

A group of lawyers with deep ties to the Republican Party scrambled over the weekend to rescue an effort to ge[...]

August 19, 2024

educational topics for debate

Disruptions as Arizona counties certify primary election may signal what’s to come in November

The banging sound from Chairman Mike Goodman’s gavel filled the boardroom at a Pinal County supervisors meet[...]

August 16, 2024

educational topics for debate

Justices OK ‘unborn human being’ in abortion measure

The court found the language “substantially complies” with a state law requiring analyses included in the [...]

August 14, 2024

educational topics for debate

Judge rules against lawmakers in election lawsuit

Republican lawmakers provided a skewed view for voters of an initiative drive for open primaries and must fix [...]

August 13, 2024

Hobbs, county attorneys, abortion, Planned Parenthood,

Right-to-life group files arguments against abortion ballot measure with Supreme Court

Rebuffed by a trial judge, Arizona Right to Life is trying to convince the state Supreme Court to block voters[...]

educational topics for debate

Pinal County supervisor asks attorney general to investigate primary election results

A Pinal County supervisor who lost his bid for sheriff is asking the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to in[...]

August 9, 2024

Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications!

Recent News

educational topics for debate

State challenges restaurant owner’s right to sue over egg regulations

The fate of state rules designed to provide more humane treatment of laying hens could depend on whe[...]

educational topics for debate

Colorado River states await water cuts, plan ahead

The federal government is expected to announce water cuts soon that would affect some of the 40 mill[...]

educational topics for debate

Court keeps names of low-level election workers secret

Members of the public aren't entitled to know the names of election workers who review the signature[...]

educational topics for debate

NCSL: Tax policy, K-12 education among top issues, fiscal analyst survey says

Along with state economic conditions and long-term liabilities, those topics are top of mind for leg[...]

educational topics for debate

Territorial abortion ban likely dead

The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to delay enforcement of its decision upholding the 1864 abortio[...]

educational topics for debate

Tribe considers blocking trucks hauling uranium

Navajo President Buu Nygren vowed to carry out the plan to enact roadblocks while the tribe develops[...]

You don't have credit card details available. You will be redirected to update payment method page. Click OK to continue.

educational topics for debate

Lawmakers should get an 'F' for ducking critical Oklahoma educational rule debate and vote

If Oklahoma lawmakers were being graded the way they just decided our public schools should be assessed, they would be deemed deficient.

They’d either be given an incomplete for not finishing their work or a big fat “F.”

Instead of giving 20 new education rules the full public debates the people of our state deserve, they sent them to the governor without having to take a stand.

The ducking of responsibility is cowardice at its finest.

More: Legislators' lack of action on Ryan Walters administrative rules is 'truly reprehensible!' | Opinion

It also falls well short of what our citizens expect when they vote for the lawmakers to represent their interests in Oklahoma City.

They want bold, decisive leadership and action.

The rules represent a fork in the road for every local school district. Some of these represent a considerable change from how we’ve traditionally operated.

They deserved a public discussion. We deserved to know the path forward our lawmakers envision for our schools.

One of these education rules has the potential to reshape how we accredit schools. It links state test scores to school accreditation status. 

Walters’ State Department of Education argues that the rules will improve our education outcomes by changing how we accredit every school and adding increased accountability on districts whose students perform poorly on tests. 

Under the rule, if less than half of students test at the basic level in reading and math, districts would face an “accreditation deficiency.” If a district doesn’t demonstrate improvement each year, they get dinged some more.

That means some schools could see a significant drop. There’s no explanation in the rules about the potential consequences.  People fear  it could lead to state takeovers or closures of districts. 

Critics say the rule punishes schools with more disabled or impoverished students. After all, if you’re coming to school worried about what you’re going to eat for dinner or where you’re going to sleep at night, you’re not going to learn as well.

One adding new “foundational values” that focus on a “Creator” is downright goofy and doesn’t seem like it would have a place in our classrooms. 

Another allows an uncommon assessment that most Oklahoma colleges don’t accept.

To their credit, a small committee of House lawmakers led by Republican Rep. Gerrid Kendrix did demonstrate considerable leadership. 

Kendrix’s Administrative Rules Committee  discussed and then voted  on the education rules during a public committee meeting. The committee advanced every rule except the one dealing with the uncommon assessment to the full House for consideration.

Regardless of whether you agree with that outcome, it’s great that they did their job.

The rest of House members though then buried their heads in the sand and publicly pretended the rules didn’t need a vote.

House  Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said  his Republican caucus, which holds a supermajority, decided not to take them up.

Our state Senate, which didn’t even vote on them in committee, didn’t give them full chamber consideration either.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said there was a “mixed bag” of opinions among Republicans about voting on the rules. He  said that some of his members  wanted to vote, but others were glad they didn’t have to.

Do our 149 locally elected lawmakers support Ryan Walters’ controversial vision for schools? What do Walters’ fellow Republicans see as our path forward?

Now, we’ll never know the answer because lawmakers spent their free time in the final weeks advancing bills that allowed them to score easy political points in an election year. 

Did we really need a law t hat bans World Health Organization and United Nation mandates  in a state and country that already doesn’t accept those? Did we really need a  “Women’s Bill of Rights”  defining gender? Did we really need a  ballot measure amending the state Constitution  to make it crystal clear that noncitizens can’t vote? News flash, noncitizens already can’t and don’t vote in Oklahoma elections.

More: Women don’t need a ‘Bill of Rights’ to define gender. We need policies that improve our outcomes. | Opinion

Educational outcomes are at the forefront of most Oklahomans’ minds. 

We’re sick of being cellar dwellers in a subject area that has ripple effects across every facet of our state from home valuations to workforce development.

We have a lot of needs in Oklahoma.

One of those is leadership from our elected lawmakers.

We need lawmakers who are less focused on winning their next election or impressing lobbyists and who are ready to take the difficult — and substantive — votes needed to move our state forward.

We don’t need elected officials who hide their heads in the sand when it comes time to take controversial votes.

After all, we pay our lawmakers to make tough decisions, not to create campaign mailers.

One of their annual jobs is to consider agency rules. It’s a normally boring responsibility, but it’s critical because those rules have the force of law.

House lawmakers like to brag that they serve in the chamber closest to the people. 

But instead of amplifying those voices, lawmakers punted. 

They gave one man — Gov. Kevin Stitt — the unilateral power to decide our schools’ path forward.

Lawmakers should be ashamed.

Janelle Stecklein is editor of Oklahoma Voice. An award-winning journalist, Stecklein has been covering Oklahoma government and politics since moving to the state in 2014. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

COMMENTS

  1. 125 High School Debate Topics To Engage Every Student

    School and Education Debate Topics. It's better to be good at academics than to be good at sports. Final exams should be abolished. Students should be required to wear school uniforms. Private schools are better than public schools. Year-round school is better for students. Standardized tests are effective.

  2. 110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

    These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays, or fishbowl discussions. Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments. Education Controversial Debate Topics; Science and Health Controversial Debate Topics

  3. 30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics for Students

    In this section, we will explore a variety of controversial debate topics that are perfect for students to discuss and analyze. These topics range from issues within schools such as cell phone usage and dress codes, to larger societal issues like social media's impact and the death penalty. Each sub-section will provide thought-provoking ...

  4. 125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

    125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students. Teach students to make effective arguments. By Jill Staake, B.S., Secondary ELA Education. Sep 6, 2023. When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion.

  5. 120 Debate Topics for High and Middle School Students

    Check out our list of 120 debate topics for middle and high school students. General Debate Topics. Should we ban homework: does homework promote learning? How essential is a college education? Banning mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones) at schools: yes or no? Is it appropriate to allow students to create their own curricula?

  6. 70+ Engaging Education Debate Topics

    For practical reasons, I organized these debate topics into 3 broad categories: Internet and Technology debate topics, Education and Learning debate topics, Social and Cultural debate topics, and Political debate topics. Internet and Technology Debate Topics . This category explores a range of contemporary issues that students encounter daily.

  7. 350+ Debate Topics for Middle and High School and College

    This is a great resource for teachers and lecturers. The practice of debating goes way back in history and its a useful skill for students to develop. A list of 350+ debate topics for middle school, high school, and college students in the areas of education, social issues, economics, the environment and more.

  8. 55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project · PrepScholar

    Social and Political Issues Debate Topics. All people should have the right to own guns. The death penalty should be abolished. Human cloning should be legalized. All drugs should be legalized. Animal testing should be banned. Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults. Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.

  9. 60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

    Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them. Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument. Argument: Good debate topics do not have a ...

  10. 125 Good Debate Topics for High and Middle Schoolers in 2024

    Education Debate Topics for High School. Colleges should eliminate the use of standardized tests like the ACT and SAT for determining admissions. Schools should allow students to use ChatGPT when writing essays and completing assignments. All public schools should adopt a universal pass/fail grading system.

  11. 20 Debate Topics About Education

    A topic which is guaranteed to stimulate passionate debate in your class is education. After all, education issues have the potential to directly affect your students and their futures. In this post, you will find 20 debate topics about education that you can use in your debate class. These are suitable for middle school students, high school ...

  12. 30 Debate Topics To Engage Every Student in the Classroom

    How to Choose the Best Debate Topic. Choosing the right debate topic is essential for a lively and productive discussion. Here are a few tips: Relevance: Pick topics that are important to your students and that they can relate to. This will help them stay engaged. Balance: Include a mix of serious and lighthearted topics in your debates. This ...

  13. 150 Controversial Debate Topics

    Controversial debate topics are always interesting! Hearing both sides of a passionate or heated argument can be eye-opening and can help open the minds of others to a new perspective! Whether in public schools or private schools, many topics can be debated by students that can have varied viewpoints and opinions. Check out this extensive …

  14. 50 Debate Topics for High School

    The following 50 debate topics can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view. Read More. Debate Topics for Middle Schoolers.

  15. 100+ Interesting Debate Topics for High School Students

    100+ Interesting Debate Topics for High School Students. Whether joining the high school debate team or participating in topical discussions in class, debating current topics is an excellent way to develop speaking skills and build confidence. Debating helps you discover more about your views, think on your feet, and learn how to take a stand ...

  16. 100+ Debate Topics & How to Win Any Debate

    This House believes colleges owe athletes an education. Controversial Debate Topics. This House would allow athletes to take performance enhancing drugs. This House would ban beauty contests. This House believes global warming is inevitable. This House believes the police are inherently biased against minorities

  17. 100+ Interesting Debate Topics

    Political Debate Topics. All people should be able to own guns. All prisons should be governmentally owned and run. Britain should not have left the European Union. Capitalism is an inherently flawed political ideology. Churches should pay taxes. Communism is an inherently flawed political ideology.

  18. 40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades

    2. Public speaking skills. Debates give your children the confidence to stand on a stage and speak in front of a large audience. The earlier you introduce the debate to your child, the better you can help them overcome their stage fright. Your children learn to handle different audiences and engage with them. 3.

  19. 100 Great Education Debate Topics

    100 Great Education Debate Topics. Education Debate Topics and Ideas to get you started. It can be difficult to choose an education debate topic that is both interesting and relevant, but this list of 100 education debate topics should help get you started! Education debates can cover a wide range of topics, from early childhood education all ...

  20. College Prep: 100+ Debate Topics for High Schoolers

    The ability to debate - and convince - is that takes practice and dedication to master. Using college prep debate topics for high school, and with guidance from teachers and mentors, high school students can become confident debaters while learning life skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Studying debate equips high school ...

  21. 150 Fun Debate Topics for Students of All Ages

    150 Fun Debate Topics for Students of All Ages. by Sara Ipatenco. While debates can get heated, they are a powerful tool for learning. Older kids can debate societal issues while younger children can argue for more innocent and silly ideas. Whatever the topic, students will build critical thinking skills, hone their public speaking abilities ...

  22. 35 Political Debate Topics For High School Students

    Political debates are not only engaging but also provide an excellent opportunity to teach high school students valuable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and active citizenship. However, selecting the right topic that captures students' interest and sparks curiosity is essential for a successful and productive debate.

  23. The 10 Education Issues Everybody Should Be Talking About

    Tweet your comments with #K12BigIdeas . No. 1: Kids are right. School is boring. Daryn Ray for Education Week. Out-of-school learning is often more meaningful than anything that happens in a ...

  24. 'You never know': Some argue school cellphone bans are dangerous ...

    CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Cell phone bans are hot topics as students return to school this year. A number of local districts are locking up cellphones for the entire school day. Some critics worry about ...

  25. Religious debate heats up over what Texas students should learn

    Texas lawmakers on Monday sparred during a hearing over two topics expected to consume much of the public education debate during the 2025 legislative session: religion in schools and education ...

  26. Supreme Court made 'huge mess' with Title IX ruling: legal analyst

    The Supreme Court's recent ruling on transgender rights in education is a giant mess that has left everyone confused, a legal analyst has said.. Steve Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown ...

  27. Liberal Thought Returns to Campus

    Students will be introduced to materials like the Federalist Papers, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and philosophical predecessors including Aristotle and Montesquieu.

  28. Delaware governor candidates face off in debates as election nears

    Meyer talked about the importance "quality [and] top-notch" education, proposing working alongside businesses to provide incentives for on-set childcare and initiating early nursing programs ...

  29. Kari Lake still deciding whether to debate

    And the commission in response quickly ended its long-running partnership with PBS to air its debates. Lake spent much of the remainder of the campaign slamming Hobbs, who eventually pulled out a slim victory, for refusing to debate. For her part, Hobbs' campaign said any debate with Lake would be a "spectacle."

  30. Oklahoma lawmakers get failing grade by refusing to debate education rules

    Add Topic. Lawmakers should get an 'F' for ducking critical Oklahoma educational rule debate and vote ... Instead of giving 20 new education rules the full public debates the people of our state ...