A cartoon drawing of two children debating behind debate podiums

50 Fun Debate Topics For Kids

Having a classroom debate is a fantastic way to get kids active and talking about their opinions. To ensure your classroom debate is successful, be sure to choose age-appropriate topics that are simple enough for kids to grasp, yet still interesting and relevant to their daily lives. Avoid topics that are too abstract or controversial, which might be beyond their comprehension and sensitivity level. Below, you’ll find 50 fun debate topics that are sure to get your students engaged in a passionate debate.

Debate Topics For Kids

  1. Should homework be banned?
  2. Are dogs better pets than cats?
  3. Should school uniforms be mandatory?
  4. Is it better to read a book or watch a movie?
  5. Should summer vacation be longer?
  6. Are zoos good for animals?
  7. Is it better to be the youngest or the oldest sibling?
  8. Should students be allowed to use smartphones in school?
  9. Are video games good for kids?
  10. Should all students get a trophy for participating?
  11. Is it better to be fast or strong?
  12. Should schools start later in the morning?
  13. Are superheroes better role models than real-life heroes?
  14. Is it more fun to be a kid or an adult?
  15. Should junk food be banned in schools?
  16. Are robots better than humans at some jobs?
  17. Should kids be allowed to vote in elections?
  18. Is it better to live in the city or the countryside?
  19. Should children be required to learn a musical instrument?
  20. Are cartoons better than live-action shows?
  21. Should space exploration be a priority?
  22. Is it better to travel or stay at home?
  23. Should schools have longer recess times?
  24. Are magic tricks real?
  25. Should every kid learn to cook?
  26. Is winter better than summer?
  27. Should every child learn to swim?
  28. Are team sports more beneficial than individual sports?
  29. Is it better to be able to fly or be invisible?
  30. Should animals be kept as pets?
  31. Is watching TV a waste of time?
  32. Should kids have a bedtime during school days?
  33. Are board games more fun than video games?
  34. Should schools serve only vegetarian food?
  35. Is it better to be smart or funny?
  36. Should children help with household chores?
  37. Is it more fun to draw or paint?
  38. Should kids be allowed to choose their own clothes?
  39. Are books better sources of knowledge than the Internet?
  40. Should every child learn a second language?
  41. Is it better to live on Mars or the Moon?
  42. Should all kids learn to code?
  43. Are dragons cooler than unicorns?
  44. Should there be a limit on screen time for kids?
  45. Is it better to travel back in time or into the future?
  46. Should kids be allowed to have dessert before dinner?
  47. Are indoor games better than outdoor games?
  48. Should children be paid for doing chores?
  49. Is it more important to be kind or honest?
  50. Should there be school on Saturdays?

Things To Consider When Choosing A Debate Topics For Kids

Conducting a debate with elementary school kids is a great way to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and reasoning skills. To ensure your classroom debate is successful, be sure to consider the following factors when choosing a debate topic for this age group.

Age-Appropriate Topics

Choose topics that are relevant to their age and understanding. The debate topics should be simple enough for them to grasp and have opinions about. Avoid complex, abstract, or controversial topics that might be beyond their comprehension or sensitivity level.

Encourage Critical Thinking

While the topics should be simple, they should also encourage critical thinking. Questions that have no right or wrong answers but allow for different viewpoints are ideal.

Interest and Relevance

Select topics that are interesting to children and relevant to their daily lives. This could include subjects related to school, hobbies, family, or popular culture.

Use Simple Language

Use simple language and clear concepts. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or overly complicated ideas.

Balance and Fairness

Ensure that the chosen debate topics do not inherently favor one side. Both sides of the debate should have ample opportunity to make a strong case.

Educational Value

Incorporate topics that can teach them something new or expand their knowledge about a particular subject.

Cultural Sensitivity

Be mindful of the cultural and social backgrounds of the children and choose topics that are inclusive and sensitive to diverse backgrounds.

More Debate Topics

Thanks for reading! I hope you and your students have lots of fun debating these topics. If you want to see more debate topics for other grades and levels, click the button below to visit our debate topics category.