100 Debate Topics for Elementary Students

Welcome to our engaging selection of debate topics designed especially for elementary school students.

This collection offers a range of thought-provoking yet age-appropriate subjects, from the wonders of technology to the importance of environmental care.

These topics are perfect for nurturing young minds to think critically, express their ideas, and understand diverse perspectives in a constructive and educational setting.”

You can download these lists and Display cards at the bottom of the page if you need offline versions.

Elementary School Debate Topics

1. Technology and Society: Discussing the impact and role of technology in the lives of young students.
2. Environment and Sustainability: Focusing on environmental awareness and sustainable practices for young minds.
3. Education and School Policies: Debating various aspects of schooling systems and educational approaches.
4. Health and Wellness: Covering topics related to physical and mental health in a school environment.
5. Politics and Governance: Introducing basic concepts of governance and decision-making in schools and society.
6. Ethics and Morality: Exploring simple ethical dilemmas and moral decisions suitable for younger students.
7. Economy and Finance: Discussing basic economic concepts and financial literacy at an elementary level.
8. Culture and Society: Understanding cultural diversity and societal norms in a globalized world.
9. Science and Innovation: Encouraging curiosity about scientific discoveries and innovative thinking.
10. Global Issues and Relations: Introducing elementary students to global perspectives and international relations.

Technology and Society

Explore the impact and role of technology in young lives, debating topics like the use of cell phones in school and the influence of video games on problem-solving skills.

Should homework assignments require the use of technology?

Is watching television better than reading books?

Should students have cell phones in school?

Are video games good for developing problem-solving skills?

Is online learning as effective as classroom learning?

Should there be an age limit for social media use?

Are robots a good idea for helping with household chores?

Can computers replace teachers in the classroom?

Is it better to have real pets or virtual pets?

Should schools use more technology in the classroom?

Environment and Sustainability

Encourage awareness about environmental care and sustainability through debates on recycling programs, the importance of saving water, and the role of electric cars.

Should schools have mandatory recycling programs?

Is it important to learn about endangered species in school?

Are electric cars better for the environment than gasoline cars?

Should plastic bags be banned in all stores?

Is it better to have paper books or digital books?

Should everyone have a garden to grow their own food?

Can children make a difference in fighting climate change?

Is it important to save water even where it’s plentiful?

Should schools use only renewable energy?

Are zoos good or bad for animals?

Education and School Policies

Delve into educational themes, discussing the necessity of homework, the benefits of field trips, and the relevance of standardized testing in elementary education.

Should school uniforms be mandatory?

Is it better to have year-round schooling with shorter breaks?

Should homework be banned in elementary school?

Are field trips an important part of education?

Should students choose their own subjects?

Is a four-day school week better than a five-day week?

Should schools start later in the morning?

Are school lunches healthy enough?

Should students have a say in what they learn?

Is group work better than individual work?

Health and Wellness

Engage in debates focusing on health and wellness, such as the benefits of longer recess, the nutritional value of school lunches, and the importance of sports in schools.

Should recess be longer in schools?

Is it better to pack a lunch or eat school lunch?

Are sports an essential part of school?

Should schools have meditation or yoga classes?

Is too much screen time bad for health?

Should vaccinations be required for all students?

Are sugar snacks a bad idea for lunch?

Is walking or biking to school better than taking a bus?

Should health education be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

Is it important to have health and fitness classes?

Politics and Governance

Introduce basic concepts of governance and politics, discussing the role of student voting in classroom decisions and the importance of having a student council.

Should students vote on classroom decisions?

Is it important to have a student council in school?

Should children learn about all forms of government?

Can children make a difference in their community?

Is it important for schools to teach about elections?

Should students learn how to write to their government representatives?

Are school rules similar to government laws?

Should students be taught the importance of voting?

Can children help in making school policies?

Is it important to have class presidents?

Ethics and Morality

Foster ethical thinking with debates on topics like the morality of telling lies, the fairness of sharing, and the importance of treating everyone equally.

Is it ever okay to tell a lie?

Should animals be used for scientific research?

Is sharing always the right thing to do?

Should you always do what your friends say?

Is it important to always win?

Should you always help someone in need?

Is it okay to keep found money?

Do all rules have to be followed?

Is it wrong to break a promise?

Should everyone be treated equally?

Economy and Finance

Discuss economic concepts at a basic level, including the importance of saving money, understanding allowances, and the concept of buying versus making gifts.

Should children learn about money in school?

Is saving money better than spending it?

Should children have jobs, like lemonade stands?

Is it important to donate money to charity?

Should schools teach students how to budget?

Is it better to buy toys or save for something big?

Should allowances be given for chores?

Can children start their own businesses?

Is it better to buy or make gifts?

Should children learn about taxes?

Culture and Society

Explore cultural and societal themes, such as the importance of learning a second language and understanding different cultures in today’s globalized world.

Is learning a second language important?

Should all students learn about different cultures?

Is it better to work alone or in a diverse group?

Should traditional cultural stories be part of the curriculum?

Is celebrating holidays in school a good idea?

Should schools have international food days?

Can children from different cultures teach each other?

Is it important to have cultural festivals in school?

Should children learn about global customs and traditions?

Are family traditions important to share in school?

Science and Innovation

Spark interest in science and innovation, debating topics like the significance of space exploration and the importance of science fairs in schools.

Should space exploration be a school subject?

Are science fairs important in schools?

Should students learn how to make inventions?

Is learning about the ocean as important as learning about land?

Should schools have more science experiments?

Can children help solve real-world scientific problems?

Is learning about dinosaurs important?

Should schools teach more about renewable energy?

Are field trips to science museums beneficial?

Should science classes include outdoor learning?

Global Issues and Relations

Introduce global perspectives by discussing topics like the importance of understanding other countries and the role of children in global issues.

Should students learn about global warming?

Is understanding other countries important?

Can children help people in other countries?

Should schools have pen pals in different countries?

Is it important to learn about world history?

Should schools teach about international organizations?

Can students do projects to help global issues?

Should children learn about world leaders?

Is it important to discuss global holidays?

Can kids make a global difference through local actions?

You can download either the List of debate topics here, the Display versions ( or both if you wish!) just follow the links below.

Don’t forget to check out our mega bundle as well. It has more than 350 pages of games, worksheets and activities for your students!

7 English Workbook Mega Bundle

Our list of debate topics for elementary students is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning and discussion.

These debates are more than just academic exercises; they’re opportunities for young learners to develop their communication skills, understand different viewpoints, and engage with the world around them in a meaningful way.

Further debate Topics

• https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/interesting-debate-topics-for-kids-of-all-ages/
• https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-debate-across-curriculum/
• http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2019/12/how-to-hold-debates-in-your-classroom.html