18 Debates For Teenagers (to Argue In Class Or In A Gathering)
Debating is healthy It is an activity that allows us to think and look for both arguments and counterarguments that allow us to defend our ideas, or modify them if others seem better to us.
And not always those with which we agree: it is possible to debate trying to defend an opposing idea in such a way that we understand its arguments and weaknesses. This activity can also be very suitable for teenagers, given that, among other things, it promotes their ability to reflect.
Throughout this article we are going to see some possible topics for debates for teenagers in order to give ideas about it.
Before starting to evaluate some examples of topics to be discussed in debates between adolescents, it is worth doing a brief review of what exactly we want to generate.
We understand debate to be that situation or communicative technique in which two or more subjects express, share and even confront each other with their opinions and perspectives on a given, usually controversial topic.
It is an act that aims to contrast diverse opinions and perspectives in a fluid manner, expressing positions that can either be similar or opposed, although they always tend to differ from each other. The aim is for each of the parties to generate arguments in order to defend their position.
Why is it good to debate?
It is an exercise that allows each of the different parties to visualize positions different from their own and see their own counterarguments, something that can allow the modification of their own position or a deeper reflection or argumentation regarding the topic discussed.
In addition, it helps to exercise executive functions, cognitive abilities in general (for example, reasoning, reflection and planning) and the ability to understand and anticipate reactions and value the opinions of others. It also helps to foster the ability to defend one’s own position, as well as to be tolerant and critical of both one’s own position and that of others.
That is why debating is an enriching and very useful activity in all moments of life, such as in adolescence. And at a time when the most complex mental abilities begin to flourish and develop, it can be useful in training them and helping to enhance them.
Debates for teenagers: some topics to address
There are many topics that may be of interest to discuss with adolescents, as it helps them reflect on aspects that they do not usually think about or express their point of view.
Among them, we can find the following proposals.
1. Relationships
What is love? What is a relationship? Is there a single way to live it?
All of these questions can be the subject of debate, and are also something that greatly interests teenagers.
It also allows us to visualize aspects such as the not-so-new family models (same-parent families, single-parent families, adoption, reconstituted families…), talk about areas such as sex and/or dismantle widespread myths among young people.
2. Drugs, their consumption and addictions
Drug use is one of the most common problems among young people with which to debate what drugs are, their effects and risks, the problems they generate and the concept of addiction, as well as the social vision that both consumption and addiction have from the adolescent world and from the adult world, are subject of debate.
It can help form an idea that is closer to reality or debunk myths and distorted beliefs, especially if you have previously sought information or even interviews with professionals or people who have overcome dependency.
3. Employment
Another of the great concerns of the majority of the population, and especially young people, is their future work Discussing the labor market, its demands and professional development based on academic training can be a useful and enriching topic of debate.
4. Unemployment
The reverse of the previous point, the lack of employment, is also a topic of debate to take into account What this concept implies, possible ways to reduce it, the difficulties in finding work or the discussion of possible ways to make a way to survive are some of the treatable elements.
5. Gender violence
Another of the hottest and most relevant topics to discuss in the classrooms, discussing gender violence what it implies, what should not be accepted in a healthy relationship and what measures should be taken in the case of being a victim or witness of a case (possible protective measures or social resources to turn to) can help prevent possible cases and even save lives.
6. Internet and social networks: benefits and risks
The Internet and social networks are undoubtedly a very useful instrument and today they can be found in any place and situation, something that, however, also puts young people in great danger.
Discuss the risks of networks and aspects such as privacy the risk of grooming and sexual harassment, cyberbullying, the publication of data that should remain private or even the possible consequences such as those derived from the search for information by potential employers is something necessary to reflect on our behavior in the workplace. networks.
7. Environment and pollution
An increasingly relevant social problem that, however, is sometimes poorly understood by young people is that of pollution and the importance and responsibility of taking care of the environment
Discussing the state of the environment, recycling, caring for landscapes or correcting highly harmful patterns of behavior that we hardly notice in our daily lives could be very useful.
8. Equal rights and discrimination
Another topic that may be useful to discuss is equality and the different discriminations that continue to exist in our society.
The concept of equality and reflecting on whether there is discrimination based on aspects such as sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, state of physical or mental health or even political opinion in areas such as work or sexual relations is enriching and can make us see different ways of seeking equal rights.
9. Physical, mental and social development
Adolescents are in a process of change that can be highly disturbing and difficult to understand both in the physical, mental and social spheres.
Changes in the body, the development of new mental abilities and changes in relationships with peers and adults, in addition to the expectations that society begins to have about them, can serve to value their beliefs and sensations.
10. Mental health
Another area to discuss may be the maintenance of health or the existence of different diseases and mental disorders.
It can be debated to discuss what is called mental health, what it means to have a mental illness, the perception of those who suffer from it, and ways to confront discrimination.
11. Sexual health
A taboo topic that is nevertheless important to address is that of education and sexual health especially taking into account that it is possible that first relationships take place at these ages (in addition to the fact that in recent times there has been an increase in some sexually transmitted infections).
The risks of transmission of the different STIs, their symptoms and the need to use prophylaxis (as well as the discussion of the excuses that are usually used for not using them and how to deal with them) both for this and to avoid unwanted pregnancies is highly necessary. . They should also talk about myths or methods that are at best ineffective.
A very relevant issue for adolescents is their image, physical and social It is at this age that eating problems often begin to appear, something that should be prevented.
You can also debate the importance given to the image, the pursuit of a positive appearance for the gallery, the publication of photos on the networks…
13. Bullying
Bullying is an especially common problem during childhood and adolescence and what it means, the effects on the harassed, the need to stop it and stop the harasser, the consequences and reflection on the pain it causes and the possible ways to solve this problem must be debated.
14. Human rights
A social issue to be debated is human rights What they are, why they are important, whether or not they are fulfilled in our society and how their fulfillment should be sought for all human beings.
15. Animal rights
A final topic for reflection and debate may be animal rights Discussing how other non-human animals should be treated, whether their rights are official and how regulations should be applied to guarantee them can help improve the treatment of other non-human creatures and empathize with them.
16. Media in the Internet Age
It is a good way to propose what access to information should be like in the 21st century Do we need large corporations to fill content grids? Or does it make more sense to be active viewers who look for specific content on platforms like YouTube? What advantages and disadvantages do both formats have? Can we aspire to be better informed, or will we always be hostages to the economic interests of those who inform us?
17. The promotion of sports during school hours
Are the 2 hours a week of physical activity that schools provide in most countries enough? What can we do to increase the hours of physical exercise and lower obesity levels? It is likely that physical exercise and sports should be encouraged much more during school hours, but most institutes do not do so. Should we change this?
18. Social inequalities
Our societies have very remarkable social and economic inequalities. Where do these inequalities come from? Are they due to meritocracy, or is there something else? Why do some people end up in poverty and others become millionaires? Are there state devices to level the balance? Or is it preferable to simply let things happen and let everyone fight for their dreams?
