10 Coronavirus-themed debates for primary children at home
With schools closed across the country and parents struggling to home-school their children, we wanted to do our part to help during these troubled times.
After-all, democracy itself isn’t cancelled (unless you’re in Hungary, sorry guys) and young people should still be able to access it.
And we shouldn’t stop there either. With some much confusion and uncertainty defining our society, we believe it’s our duty to help young people and their adults to engage in informative and fun debates about Coronavirus that will help to give them a platform of open dialogue that will help.
Posted every weekday at 8 am via our twitter page, we’ve been suggesting topics to support fruitful discussion in the home.
Here’s our greatest hits, our top 10 debates to engage every young person:
1.The World health organisation says we face two problems. Coronavirus and an ‘infodemic’ of fake news. What’s the best way to protect ourselves from fake coronavirus news?
There’s so much fake news that can so easily lead people to take drastic and unhelpful action. Model to your young people where to get accurate information on Coronavirus here by doing the debate.
2. The telegraph found that celebrities have been buying Coronavirus testing kits from a london clinic for £375. wHICH SENTENCE DO YOU AGREE WITH?
With tests very hard to come by in the UK, this question asks a moral question about what it means if only those who can afford it get tested. This is a great conundrum to discuss, find it here and join the debate.
3. Most schools have shut this week. Where is it easier to learn?
This question comes from the day of the school closure announcement. However, as the closure seems set to last a long time, it’s a great one to revisit with any young person to get them thinking of the best learning environment. Have a go here.
4. FOR THOUSANDS OF PUPILS ACROSS THE UK, TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF LEARNING AT HOME. wHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SPEND IT?
Following from the previous question, this debate concentrates on setting a learning routine at home. A great way to set learning standards, click here to start yours.
5. This weekend many people ignored the government’s rules. Germany has decided to fine people up to £25,000 for not following their social distancing policy. Is this fair?
It’s very easy for us all to feel like we have no control over the restrictions we currently live under. This debate will help you to young people to voice their opinion. Get them debating here.
6. The US PRESIDENT HAS CALLED CORONAVIRUS ‘CHINESE FLU’ AND ‘KUNG-FLU’. iS THIS RACIST?
This is a burning issue. Racism and Coronavirus seem to have come hand-in-hand, particularly when people feel anxious about their safety. Explore this issue and discuss here.
7. The Government has said we need to stay 2 meters apart from people when shopping. How many toilet rolls, laid side by side, make up 2 meters?
This is a fun one. Get your young people to debate and solve a maths puzzle, all while tackling an important part of social distancing. Here it is.
8. If coronavirus were a character in a film, which would it be?
Another light-hearted debate. Help young people escape into a little fantasy world and spend ages debating which character is worse? Get involved.
9. Epidemiology is counting how many people become ill and studying why some get ill and some don’t. Why do you think that is important?
This was an extremely exciting debate. We were joined by experts from London School of Tropical Hygiene who posed this debate question. They took time out of the fight against Coronavirus to set this one, give it a go here.
10. As shops sell out of products like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, some people have been buying in bulk and selling them for more money. IS IT OKAY FOR PEOPLE TO DO THIS?
One final ethical debate to finish. What do would your young person prioritise more: community spirit or profits? Find out by taking part.