Debate Script
Debate Script
Introduction (Speaker 1)
• Salutation: Honorable judges, respected audience, and our esteemed
opponents.
• Thesis statement: We, the opposition, firmly believe that social media
should not be banned for children younger than a certain age.
• Preview of arguments: Our team will present three key arguments in
support of our stance:
1. Social media can be a valuable educational tool for children.
2. Banning social media may hinder children's social development.
3. Parental guidance and regulation are crucial for responsible social media
use.
Argument 1: Social Media as an Educational Tool (Speaker 2)
• Educational resources: Social media platforms offer a vast array of
educational resources, such as educational channels, online courses, and
interactive learning experiences.
• Global connectivity: Social media enables children to connect with people
from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering global awareness and
understanding.
• Critical thinking and digital literacy: Exposure to social media can help
children develop critical thinking skills and digital literacy, essential for
navigating the modern world.
Argument 2: The Importance of Social Development (Speaker 3)
• Socialization and peer interaction: Social media provides opportunities for
children to connect with peers, develop social skills, and build friendships.
• Self-expression and identity formation: Social media platforms allow
children to express themselves creatively and explore their identities.
• Mental health benefits: Research suggests that social media can have
positive effects on mental health, particularly for children with social
anxiety or isolation.
Argument 3: Parental Guidance and Regulation (Speaker 4)
• Parental responsibility: Parents play a crucial role in monitoring their
children's social media use and setting appropriate boundaries.
• Educating children about online safety: Parents can teach their children
about online safety, privacy, and responsible behavior.
• Using parental controls: Parental control tools can help manage children's
online activities and protect them from harmful content.
Rebuttal Speech (Speaker 5)
• Address the opposition's arguments: Refute the key points made by the
proposition, providing counterarguments and evidence.
• Reinforce the opposition's stance: Emphasize the benefits of social media
for children when used responsibly and with parental guidance.
• Conclude with a strong call to action: Urge the audience and judges to
reject the proposition and support the unrestricted use of social media by
children, with appropriate parental supervision.
Closing Statement (Speaker 6)
• Summarize the key points of the opposition's arguments: Recapitulate the
benefits of social media for children and the importance of parental
guidance.
• Reiterate the opposition's thesis: Emphasize that banning social media for
children is not the solution but rather a missed opportunity for education,
social development, and positive online experiences.
• End with a persuasive appeal: Conclude with a strong call to action, urging
the audience and judges to vote against the proposition and support the
unrestricted use of social media by children, with appropriate parental
supervision.
Argument 1
1. Overgeneralization: The proposition may overgeneralize the negative impacts of social media,
ignoring the potential benefits for many children.
2. Restricting access doesn't address root issues: Banning social media doesn't address the
underlying issues that may lead to harmful online behaviors, such as bullying or addiction.
3. Censorship concerns: A ban on social media could raise concerns about censorship and limiting
freedom of expression.
2. Social development: Highlight the positive role social media can play in fostering social
connections, building friendships, and developing important life skills.
3. Mental health support: Discuss how social media can provide a platform for children to connect
with peers, seek support, and find resources for mental health issues.
1. Parental responsibility: Emphasize that parents have a primary responsibility to monitor their
children's online activities and set appropriate boundaries.
2. Effective parental controls: Highlight the availability of parental control tools that can help
manage children's social media use and protect them from harmful content.
3. Education and awareness: Emphasize the importance of educating parents about online safety
and providing them with resources to support their children's online experiences.
1. Individual differences: Acknowledge that some children may experience negative consequences
from excessive social media use, but emphasize that these are individual cases and not indicative
of a widespread problem.
2. Balanced approach: Advocate for a balanced approach that encourages responsible social media
use and promotes healthy digital habits.
3. Addressing underlying issues: Suggest that addressing underlying issues such as mental health,
family dynamics, or academic challenges is more effective than banning social media altogether.
By effectively addressing the proposition's arguments and highlighting the benefits of social media for
children, the opposition can strengthen its stance and persuade the audience to reject the proposal for a
ban.