The Question of Policy Speech Topics
From Fun to Serious Across Grades

For High School to College
20 Excellent Policy Speech Topics

Here's a list of twenty of the best policy speech topics that are relevant and thought-provoking for high school or college students. Each topic is framed as a question.

It's easy to frame these topics for debate by writing them as a resolution rather than a question of policy speech topics. For example, the first topic on climate change could be rewritten as

"The [nation or entity] should significantly improve it's response to climate change."

Or, speech writers may reframe the topic to engage with a specific policy response. For further example, rewrite the climate topic as

"The United States federal government should substantially increase its restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change."

Question of Policy Speech Topics List for High School and College Students

1. Climate Change Policies: How can we improve our response to climate change?
2. Education Reform: What changes should be made to the current educational system?
3. Internet Privacy: How should personal data be handled online?
4. Gun Control Policies: What should be the extent of gun control?
5. Health Care Policies: Should universal health care be implemented?
6. Immigration Policies: How should immigration be managed?
7. Drug Legalization: Should all drugs be legalized or only some?
8. Cybersecurity: How can we better protect ourselves from cyber threats?
9. Criminal Justice Reform: How should our criminal justice system be improved?
10. LGBTQ+ Rights: What policies need to be implemented to ensure equal rights?
11. Income Inequality: How should the wage gap be addressed?
12. Student Loan Policies: Should student loan debt be canceled?
13. Environmental Policies: How can we encourage sustainable practices?
14. Animal Rights: Should more stringent animal welfare laws be implemented?
15. Foreign Policy: How should the US interact with North Korea, Russia, or China?
16. Renewable Energy Policies: How should we transition to renewable energy sources?
17. Affirmative Action: Is it still necessary in today's society?
18. Vaccination Policies: Should vaccinations be mandatory for everyone?
19. Artificial Intelligence Regulation: How should AI and robotics be controlled?
20. Housing Policies: How can we address the homelessness crisis?

Remember, good policy speeches present a clear position, consider counterarguments, and provide evidence to support the stance. Always consider your audience's needs, interests, and backgrounds when choosing and preparing your topic.

Middle School and Developing Debaters
20 Question of Policy Speech Topics for Youth

Each of the following is a question of policy speech topics suitable for middle school age students. Teachers may leave the chosen topic as a question or rewrite the topic as a statement for debate. For example, the first topic could be rewritten as 

"School cafeterias should provide healthier meal options to promote better nutrition among students."

Question of Policy Speech Topics List for Middle School Students

1. School Lunch Policies: Should we have healthier options in school cafeterias?
2. Bullying Policies: How can schools better address and prevent bullying?
3. Homework Policies: Is there too much homework in schools?
4. Dress Code Policies: Are school uniforms necessary?
5. Digital Device Policies: What should the rules for cell phone usage in schools be?
6. Recycling Policies: How can schools encourage better recycling and waste management?
7. Physical Education Policies: How important is physical education in schools?
8. Library Policies: Should schools invest more in libraries and reading materials?
9. Field Trip Policies: Should schools organize more educational field trips?
10. Extra-curricular Activity Policies: Should participation in extra-curricular activities be mandatory?
11. School Start-Time Policies: Should school start later in the day?
12. Test Policies: Are standardized tests the best measure a student's abilities?
13. Classroom Pet Policies: Should classrooms be allowed to have pets?
14. School Safety Policies: How can we ensure safety in schools?
15. Vacation Policies: Is the current school calendar and vacation schedule optimal?
16. Privacy Policies: What privacy rights should students have at school?
17. Art and Music Education Policies: How much should schools invest in art and music education?
18. Classroom Size Policies: How does class size impact learning?
19. Nut Allergy Policies: How should schools handle food allergies?
20. School Transportation Policies: How can schools ensure safe and efficient transportation?

These topics encourage students to think critically about the world around them. Even though middle school students must be older to vote or directly influence policy. Policy debate improves critical thinking skills and prepares young people for college. 

Ko, Tomohiro M., and Briana Mezuk. “Debate participation and academic achievement among high school students in the Houston Independent School District: 2012 - 2015.” ERIC, 17 May 2021, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1302954.pdf. Accessed 14 May 2023.

Elementary School and Kids
20 Youth Engaging Policy Speech Topics

The below list provides policy-based topics even more accessible to engage elementary school students. As with the above topics, each could be rewritten as a statement for debate. For example:

"Assigning homework over the weekend hinders students' ability to rest and engage in extracurricular activities and should be banned."

Question of Policy Speech Topics List for Elementary School Students

1. Should Homework Be Given Over the Weekend?
2. Are School Uniforms a Good Idea?
3. Should Schools Have Longer Recess Times?
4. Do Students Need More Art and Craft Classes?
5. Should There Be More Field Trips in a Year?
6. Should Schools Allow Pets for Show and Tell?
7. Should We Have More Fun Fridays in Schools?
8. Is It Better to Have Salad Bars in School Cafeterias?
9. Should Students Help in School Clean-up?
10. Should Every Student Get a Chance to Be Class Leader?
11. Should Schools Start Later in the Morning?
12. Do We Need More Sports Activities in School?
13. Should There Be More Story Reading Sessions in Class?
14. Should Students Help Plan School Events?
15. Should We Have Theme Days at School?
16. Are Birthday Celebrations in Class a Good Idea?
17. Should Each Classroom Have a Mini Library?
18. Should Schools Have More Play Equipment?
19. Is It Better to Have More Group Projects in Class?
20. Should Schools Plant More Trees?

These topics are more straightforward and directly related to the student's daily experiences. However, they can still help young students understand the concept of policy-making and decision-making in a simplified context.

Fun and Relatable Topics for Students
20 More Questions of Policy for Debate

Humorous and Somewhat Silly
Questions of Policy Speech Topics
that will get everyone laughing and thinking

Start with a Laugh! Absurd Policy Questions

In conclusion, the question of policy speech topics spans a wide range of interests, from serious and pressing societal issues to light-hearted and comical ones. These topics serve as a great tool to encourage critical thinking, enhance public speaking skills, and foster an understanding of civic issues among students of all ages.

Whether we're considering the pressing questions faced by high school and college students or the simpler and more directly relatable topics for younger students, or even the humorous and fun policies to get everyone laughing, the aim remains the same: to engage, educate, and inspire.

Remember, the best policy speech doesn't just present a clear position, but also accounts for counterarguments and is supported by persuasive evidence. So, when it comes to the question of policy speech topics, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it.

Happy speaking!