What Students Are Saying: A Look Back at This Year’s Big Debate Club Questions

Every week, Big Debate Club sparks thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK - encouraging pupils to think critically, share opinions, and listen to each other. But what are they actually saying?

We’ve pulled together some of the most popular and mind-stretching debates from this year, and highlighted the questions that really got pupils talking. From survival skills to social media, their responses offer a powerful reminder of just how thoughtful, articulate, and passionate young people can be.

Here are three standout questions that grabbed attention and got students debating:

🧭 Should schools teach basic survival skills?

Final Verdict: 91% said yes — 9% said no

This one was a clear favourite, with pupils arguing passionately that survival skills are essential for real life.

From Norwood Green Junior School in London:

“If we are not taught [survival skills], then we will not be prepared for a bad or sudden event like getting lost on a trip.”

At The Chantry School in Worcester, students even suggested using PSHE or form time to squeeze it in:

“Compared to some subjects, this is life or death!”

And from The Bridge Academy in London:

“It teaches confidence, bravery, common sense and how to act in an emergency.”

A few pupils felt it could be taught elsewhere - like in clubs or at home - but the overwhelming consensus was clear: life skills matter.

💬 Should social media no longer allow anonymous posting?

Final Verdict: 52% said no — 48% said yes

One of the most divided debates of the year. Students were split down the middle, with compelling arguments on both sides.

At Bedford Girls’ School, some felt anonymity protects freedom of speech:

“If someone has a serious issue and needs help, they might only feel able to post anonymously.”

But over at Green Park Primary School in Liverpool, others disagreed:

“It allows people to pretend they are someone else… it can hurt people’s feelings and affect their mental health.”

Hinckley Parks Primary School raised concerns about online safety and impersonation:

“People could post personal things about others without their knowledge, and they don’t know who did it.”

It’s a question pupils clearly care about, and their reflections show just how complex online safety and freedom really are.

💰 Can money buy happiness?

Final Verdict: 70% said no — 30% said yes

This classic debate brought out some deeply personal reflections.

From Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth:

“It’s really sad that I go out of the mall empty-handed... Personally, money can buy happiness - it depends on the person though.”

Meanwhile, at Halling Primary School in Medway, pupils reflected on kindness vs. material wealth:

“If a homeless person is given money, it isn’t the money that makes them happy—it’s the kindness.”

Others pointed out that money can’t buy relationships, trust or real joy. Hinckley Parks Primary added:

“Rich people buy things they don’t need and often are not happy.”

So, can it? According to most students: not really. But it depends who you ask!

💡 Pupil Voice in Action

Whether students are thinking about safety in the wild or privacy online, the quality of their ideas reminds us just how important it is to give them space to speak and be heard.

If your school hasn’t used Big Debate Club yet, now’s the perfect time to start. And if your students have had brilliant conversations of their own, we’d love to hear from you!

We’ve got two more debates to go before the academic year closes so there’s still time to get involved. 

A huge thank you to all the schools and brilliant students who’ve taken part in this year’s debates. We can’t wait to welcome a new academic year and hear even more from the young minds shaping tomorrow.

Got a pupil quote, photo, or idea you’d like us to feature? Just drop us a line, we’d love to showcase more of what your students are saying.