23 October 2019
Students will tomorrow debate the advantages and pitfalls of social media and the role it plays in the lives of young people.
This year’s Equiom Great Debate is hosted by Jersey College for Girls and Highlands College and will see sixth form students, who have spent several weeks researching and preparing their arguments, go head to head to voice their views.
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “Giving young people a voice to express their views is an important part of our education system. Such events give students the opportunity to develop their researching and communication skills and acquire confidence in articulating themselves about important topics.”
The debate, which is on the topic of ‘Does social media play a positive role in the lives of young people?’, takes place at the Royal Yacht Hotel tomorrow from 6pm to 8pm.
In 2012, Jersey College for Girls founded the debate series, which has seen students from schools across the island argue about a diverse range of topics including whether protesting is the sign of a healthy society, does Jersey have a brain drain problem and is homework useful.
“I am delighted our students remain involved in this debate series initiated by JCG,” said Carl Howarth, Principal of Jersey College for Girls. “The ability to express one’s opinions and ideas with confidence and clarity, to question and form arguments that are well researched, are essential skills for a forward-looking society. I am thankful for Equiom’s continued and generous support.”
Jo Terry-Marchant, Principal of Highlands College, added: “The benefits and drawbacks of social media continue to exercise the minds of researchers, governments, young people and their families. It will be interesting to see students from both JCG and Highlands College debate on this thought-provoking topic.
“We invite all families to join us for what is sure to be a stimulating event. Thank you to Equiom for its support in sponsoring this event; we are very much looking forward to it.”
Equiom Jersey’s Managing Director, Steve Le Seelleur, said: “Equiom is a strong supporter of preparing young people on their path to choosing a career. Participating in a debate is an important part of developing presentation and deductive reasoning skills, both of which are essential for a wide range of careers. I am looking forward to watching what is likely to be an engaging event.”
Attendance at the debate can be registered on the Eventbrite page ‘Equiom Great Debate’. Audience members, and islanders who cannot attend, are invited to pose questions for the panels using #EquiomGreatDebate.
gov.je