60 debate topics for kids, by grade
A good debate topic for kids has two fair sides and nothing personal, so any student can argue either one without talking about home. These sixty topics are sorted from the school day and animals up to bigger questions for grades 6 to 8. Every topic is a statement the class can vote for or against, and carries one point for each side to get students started.
School day
1. Recess should be longer
The motion is that recess should be longer. One point for: playing outside helps students focus when they come back in. One point against: a longer recess leaves less time for lessons. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
2. Homework should be optional
The motion is that homework should be optional. One point for: students could spend the evening on what they care about most. One point against: practice at home helps new skills stick. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
3. Students should choose where they sit
The motion is that students should choose where they sit. One point for: choosing a seat lets each person pick the spot where they work best. One point against: friends might sit together and talk instead of learn. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
4. School lunch should be longer
The motion is that school lunch should be longer. One point for: a slower lunch gives time to eat and rest. One point against: a longer lunch pushes the end of the school day later. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
5. Every class should start with a read-aloud
The motion is that every class should start with a read-aloud. One point for: a story is a calm way to start the day together. One point against: the time could go to math or writing. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
6. Students should help clean the classroom
The motion is that students should help clean the classroom. One point for: a shared room is easier to take care of when everyone helps. One point against: cleaning takes time away from learning. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
7. Every classroom should have a quiet corner
The motion is that every classroom should have a quiet corner. One point for: a quiet spot lets anyone take a short break and come back ready. One point against: it takes up space and some students may not use it well. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
8. Tests should be open book
The motion is that tests should be open book. One point for: real life lets you look things up, so a test can too. One point against: students may not learn the facts if they can always look. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
9. Students should grade their own work
The motion is that students should grade their own work. One point for: checking your own answers shows you exactly where you slipped. One point against: some students might be tempted to give themselves extra points. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 3–8You need Scrap paper
10. Group projects are better than solo projects
The motion is that group projects are better than solo projects. One point for: a team can share ideas and split the work. One point against: one person may end up doing most of it. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
Animals and nature
11. Cats make better pets than dogs
The motion is that cats make better pets than dogs. One point for: cats are quiet and can be left alone for a while. One point against: dogs are loyal and love to play outside. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 2–5You need NothingUse Random group maker
12. Dogs are smarter than cats
The motion is that dogs are smarter than cats. One point for: dogs can learn many tricks and follow spoken words. One point against: cats solve problems on their own, like opening a latch. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
13. Small pets are easier to care for than big pets
The motion is that small pets are easier to care for than big pets. One point for: a small pet needs less space and less food. One point against: a small pet can be fragile and easy to lose track of. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
14. The lion should be the king of the animals
The motion is that the lion should be the king of the animals. One point for: lions live in groups and are strong hunters. One point against: other animals, like elephants, are bigger and wiser. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
15. It is better to be a bird than a fish
The motion is that it is better to be a bird than a fish. One point for: a bird can fly high and see the whole land below. One point against: a fish can swim and find deep, quiet places. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
16. Butterflies are more beautiful than moths
The motion is that butterflies are more beautiful than moths. One point for: butterflies have bright colors and fly in the daytime. One point against: many moths have soft patterns and feathery feelers. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
17. Pets should be allowed to sleep in beds
The motion is that pets should be allowed to sleep in beds. One point for: a pet nearby can feel cozy and safe. One point against: pets can bring dirt and fur into the bed. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
18. Every yard should have a bird feeder
The motion is that every yard should have a bird feeder. One point for: feeders help birds find food and let us watch them up close. One point against: feeders can draw pests and need to be kept clean. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
19. People should not be afraid of spiders
The motion is that people should not be afraid of spiders. One point for: most spiders are harmless and eat insects we do not want. One point against: a few spiders can bite, so some caution is wise. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
20. Bees are the most important insect
The motion is that bees are the most important insect. One point for: bees carry pollen that helps many plants make food. One point against: ants and worms also work hard to keep the soil healthy. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
Food and fun
21. Summer is better than winter
The motion is that summer is better than winter. One point for: summer has long days, swimming and no school. One point against: winter has snow, warm drinks and cozy nights. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
22. Ice cream is the best dessert
The motion is that ice cream is the best dessert. One point for: it comes in many flavors and is cold and sweet. One point against: warm desserts like cookies feel more special. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
23. Breakfast is the best meal of the day
The motion is that breakfast is the best meal of the day. One point for: it gives you energy to start the morning. One point against: dinner is when the whole family can sit and talk. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
24. Board games are more fun than video games
The motion is that board games are more fun than video games. One point for: board games bring people together around one table. One point against: video games have moving pictures and many worlds to visit. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
25. Reading a book is better than watching a movie
The motion is that reading a book is better than watching a movie. One point for: a book lets you picture the story your own way. One point against: a movie shows you the story in sound and motion. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
26. Rainy days are better than sunny days
The motion is that rainy days are better than sunny days. One point for: rain is cozy and makes puddles to splash in. One point against: sunshine lets you play outside all day. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
27. Camping is better than staying in a hotel
The motion is that camping is better than staying in a hotel. One point for: camping lets you see stars and hear nature up close. One point against: a hotel has soft beds and a roof if it storms. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
28. Playing outside is better than playing inside
The motion is that playing outside is better than playing inside. One point for: fresh air and room to run feel great. One point against: inside you can build, draw and play games in any weather. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 2–5You need NothingUse 1 minute timer
29. Birthday parties should be small
The motion is that birthday parties should be small. One point for: a small party is calm and everyone gets time to talk. One point against: a big party can be exciting and bring many friends. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
30. Pancakes are better than waffles
The motion is that pancakes are better than waffles. One point for: pancakes are soft and soak up syrup. One point against: waffles have little squares that hold more toppings. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 2–5You need Nothing
Screens and technology
31. Video games can help you learn
The motion is that video games can help you learn. One point for: many games teach planning, patience and problem solving. One point against: some games are only for fun and use up study time. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
32. Screen time should have a daily limit
The motion is that screen time should have a daily limit. One point for: a limit leaves time to move, read and rest your eyes. One point against: some screen time is for learning, so a limit may be too strict. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
33. Tablets should replace paper textbooks
The motion is that tablets should replace paper textbooks. One point for: one tablet can hold hundreds of books and is lighter to carry. One point against: paper is easier on the eyes and never runs out of battery. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
34. Phones should be allowed at school
The motion is that phones should be allowed at school. One point for: a phone can look up facts and reach a grown-up in an emergency. One point against: phones can distract students from the lesson. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 3–8You need NothingUse 2 minute timer
35. Typing is more useful than handwriting
The motion is that typing is more useful than handwriting. One point for: typing is fast and easy to fix and share. One point against: handwriting helps you remember what you write and works anywhere. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
36. Robots should do most chores
The motion is that robots should do most chores. One point for: robots can finish boring jobs and free up time. One point against: people learn responsibility by doing chores themselves. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
37. Games on a screen are as fun as games outside
The motion is that games on a screen are as fun as games outside. One point for: a screen can show a whole new world to play in. One point against: outside games get you moving and need no battery. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
38. Schools should teach how to spot fake websites
The motion is that schools should teach how to spot fake websites. One point for: kids see a lot online and need to tell true from false. One point against: teachers have so much to cover that this may be a job for home. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
39. Kids should ask a grown-up before posting online
The motion is that kids should ask a grown-up before posting online. One point for: a grown-up can help you stay safe and think before you share. One point against: kids can learn good judgment by trying it on their own. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
40. Listening to a book counts as reading
The motion is that listening to a book counts as reading. One point for: you still take in the story, the words and the ideas. One point against: reading with your eyes builds skills like spelling and focus. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
Rules, chores and money
41. The class should vote on its own rules
The motion is that the class should vote on its own rules. One point for: students follow rules better when they helped make them. One point against: a vote might leave out the quiet students or be unsafe. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
42. Every student should have a classroom job
The motion is that every student should have a classroom job. One point for: a job gives each person a way to help the class. One point against: some jobs are more fun than others, which may feel unfair. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 3–8You need NothingUse Random name picker
43. Fixing a mistake is better than a punishment
The motion is that fixing a mistake is better than a punishment. One point for: making things right teaches students to care about others. One point against: a punishment lets everyone see that a rule matters. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
44. A pretend class store would teach good money habits
The motion is that a pretend class store would teach good money habits. One point for: students practice saving, adding and making choices. One point against: it could take a lot of class time to run well. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Scrap paper
45. Playing fair is more important than winning
The motion is that playing fair is more important than winning. One point for: a win means little if the game was not fair. One point against: trying to win makes a game exciting and pushes you to improve. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
46. Everyone should clean up after themselves at lunch
The motion is that everyone should clean up after themselves at lunch. One point for: it is fair and keeps the lunch room tidy. One point against: younger students may need help, and cleaners are paid to do it. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
47. School clubs should meet during the school day
The motion is that school clubs should meet during the school day. One point for: every student could join, even those who ride a bus home. One point against: clubs would take time away from classes. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
48. Team captains should be chosen by a vote
The motion is that team captains should be chosen by a vote. One point for: a vote feels fair and gives everyone a say. One point against: a teacher may know who is ready to lead better than a vote can. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 3–8You need Scrap paper
49. Free play is as important as lessons
The motion is that free play is as important as lessons. One point for: play helps students learn to share, solve problems and be creative. One point against: lessons teach the skills students need for the future. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
50. Every school should have a kindness week
The motion is that every school should have a kindness week. One point for: a special week reminds everyone to look out for each other. One point against: kindness should happen all year, not only for one week. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 3–8You need Nothing
Bigger questions for grades 6 to 8
51. School should start later in the morning
The motion is that school should start later in the morning. One point for: older students often feel more awake later in the morning. One point against: a later start means a later finish and less time after school. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
52. Zoos are good for animals
The motion is that zoos are good for animals. One point for: good zoos protect rare animals and teach people about them. One point against: wild animals may do better in wide, natural spaces. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
53. Countries should spend more money on space
The motion is that countries should spend more money on space. One point for: space research leads to new tools and big discoveries. One point against: that money could help with needs here on Earth. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
54. Schools should still teach cursive
The motion is that schools should still teach cursive. One point for: cursive helps students read old letters and write quickly. One point against: typing is used far more, so the time could go elsewhere. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
55. Schools should run all year with short breaks
The motion is that schools should run all year with short breaks. One point for: short breaks keep students from forgetting what they learned. One point against: a long summer gives time for rest, camp and family trips. Finish with a show of hands, then ask one student from each side what the other side said best.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
56. Schools should have a four-day week
The motion is that schools should have a four-day week. One point for: an extra day off could give time to rest and learn other things. One point against: longer school days might be tiring for young students. Have the sides swap for one minute, so each team argues the point it did not pick.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
57. Everyone should learn to code
The motion is that everyone should learn to code. One point for: coding teaches logic and helps you understand the tools around you. One point against: not every student will need it, and other skills matter too. End with a one-minute quick write: which side was stronger, and why?
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
58. Self-driving cars would make roads safer
The motion is that self-driving cars would make roads safer. One point for: a computer does not get tired or look at a phone. One point against: a computer can make mistakes people would never make. Let students stand on the Agree or Disagree side of the room, then invite anyone who moved to say why.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
59. Students should wear school uniforms
The motion is that students should wear school uniforms. One point for: uniforms save time in the morning and keep the focus on learning. One point against: choosing your own clothes is a way to show who you are. Draw two columns on the board and list the best reasons from each side before you vote.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
60. Every classroom should have a class pet
The motion is that every classroom should have a class pet. One point for: a pet teaches students to be responsible and kind. One point against: some students have allergies, and the pet needs care on weekends. Close with thumbs up or thumbs down, and ask who changed their mind during the talk.
Grades 6–8You need Nothing
Making it work
- Teach the sentence starter "I disagree because" before the first debate. It lets students answer an idea without attacking a person.
- Give two minutes to plan and one minute to speak. A short, fixed turn keeps the talk fair and gives quiet students a clear moment to share.
- Ask every student to argue the side they did not pick at least once. It is the quickest way to see that both sides have good reasons.
- End each debate with one question: what changed your mind? Students learn that listening can change an answer, and that this is a strength.
Questions teachers ask
- What makes a good debate topic for kids?
- A good debate topic is a statement with two fair sides that a child can argue without sharing anything about home. It should be about something students know, like school, animals or technology, and it should not have a single right answer.
- How do I run a class debate in ten minutes?
- Read the motion, give each side two minutes to plan, and let each side speak for one minute. Add a short rebuttal turn, then vote by standing or by a show of hands, and ask one student what changed their mind.
- What debate topics should I avoid in class?
- Leave out politics, elections, war, weapons, crime and anything about bodies, diets or a family's money. Avoid topics tied to a student's background or beliefs. Avoid topics that set one group of children against another, and keep to questions every student can answer without telling personal details.
- Can younger students debate?
- Yes, from about second grade. Keep the motion simple, like whether recess should be longer, give each side a single point to start, and use a vote with hands or standing in the room. Short turns keep young students focused.
Written for teachers by Peabody Teach. No ads, no affiliate links. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.