18 Debates for Adolescents (to argue in class or in social gatherings)

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 in case 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 weak points. This activity can also be very suitable for adolescents, given that, among other things, it favors their capacity for reflection.

Throughout this article we are going to see some possible topics for debates for adolescents, in order to give ideas about it.

• We recommend you: "24 discussion topics to present in class gatherings"

What is a debate?

Before starting to assess some examples of topics to be discussed in debates among adolescents, it is worth doing a brief review of what exactly we want to generate.

We understand debate as 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 topic, usually controversial.

It is an act that aims to contrast opinions and diverse perspectives in a fluid way, expressing positions that can either resemble or oppose, although they always tend to present divergences between Yeah. It is sought that each of the parties generate arguments in order to defend his 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 arguments. counteracted, something that can allow the modification of one's own position or a deeper reflection or argument regarding the subject treated.

In addition to this, it helps to exercise the executive functions, the Cognitive abilities in general (for example those of reasoning, reflection and planning) and the ability to understand and anticipate the reactions and value the opinion 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 highly useful activity in all moments of life.such as in adolescence. And it is that at a time when the most complex mental abilities are beginning to flourish and develop, it can be useful in order to train them and help strengthen them.

Debates for adolescents: some topics to address

There are many topics that may be of interest to discuss with adolescents, since it helps them to 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. couple relationships

What is love? What is a relationship?Is there a single way to live it?

All these questions can be debated, being also something that is of great interest to adolescents.

It also allows you to visualize aspects such as the not so new family models (homoparental families, single parents, adoption, reconstituted families...), talk about areas such as sex and/or dismantle widespread myths among young people.

• Recommended: "The 14 types of couples: how is your romantic relationship?"

2. Drugs, their consumption and addictions

Drug use is one of the most common problems among young people., with which to discuss 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 the object of debate.

It can help form an idea closer to reality or break down myths and distorted beliefs, especially if it is has previously searched information or even interviews with professionals or people who have passed the dependence.

• Recommended: "Substance use in adolescence: risk factors"

3. The job

Another of the great concerns of the majority of the population, and especially of 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 for 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 to find a job or the Discussion of possible ways to carve out a way to survive are some of the treatable elements.

5. gender violence

Another of the hottest and most relevant topics to be discussed in the classroom, 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 protection 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 to be in any place and situation, something that, however, also puts the youths.

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 derived from the search for information by potential employers is something necessary to reflect on our behavior in the 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 caring for the environment.

Discuss the state of the environment, recycling, caring for landscapes or correcting guidelines highly damaging behaviors that we are barely aware of in our day-to-day lives could be of great utility.

• Recommended: "The 10 types of pollution (and effects on the ecosystem)"

8. Equal rights and discrimination

Another issue that may be useful to address is that of equality. and the different types of discrimination 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 equality of 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 as well as in the mental and social spheres.

Changes in the body, the development of new mental abilities and changes in relationships with peers and others 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 be discussed may be the maintenance of health or the existence of different diseases and mental disturbances.

It can be debated to discuss what is called mental health, what it means to have a disease mental health, the perception people have of those who suffer from them and ways of coping with the discrimination.

11. sexual health

A taboo subject that is nevertheless important to deal with is education and sexual health., especially considering that it is possible that the 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 transmission risks of the different STIs, their symptoms and the need to use prophylaxis (as well as the discussion of the excuses that are usually used not to use 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 ineffective at best.

12. The picture

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 requires prevention.

You can also discuss the importance given to the image, the pursuit of a positive appearance in the gallery, the publication of photos on the networks...

13. Bullying

Bullying is a particularly frequent problem during childhood and adolescence., and what it means should be discussed, the effects on the harassed, the need to stop it and stop the bully, the consequences and reflection on the pain it causes and the possible ways to solve this problematic.

14. Human rights

A topic of a social nature to be debated is that of human rights.. What are they, why are they important, whether or not they are fulfilled in our society and how their fulfillment should be sought for all human beings.

15. Animals rights

One last topic for reflection and debate may be that of animal rights.. Discuss how the rest of non-human animals should be treated, if their rights are formalized and how they should Applying the regulations to guarantee them can help to improve the treatment of other non-human creatures and to empathize with them. they.

16. Media in the internet age

It is a good way of considering how access to information should be in the 21st century.. Do we need large corporations to fill content grids? Or does it make more sense to be active viewers than to search 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 sport during school hours

Are the 2 hours a week of physical activity that institutes have 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 just let it go and everyone fight for their dreams?