Charter starts in debate heats with East Norfolk Sixth Form — Tackling Big Ideas, Building Future Leaders

On Monday 8 December, Charter Academy hosted the first round of our Debate Competition in partnership with East Norfolk Sixth Form College. Five teams of talented Year 9 and 10 pupils tackled complex, real‑world motions before a panel of judges—demonstrating poise, careful reasoning, and collaborative teamwork throughout.

Our teams:

Team 1: Isobel, Sofia and Umair

Team 2: Max, Angel and Kamile

Team 3: Sadiqa, Jasmine and Lyvinia

Team 4: Alex, Joe and Dylan

Team 5: Samuel, George and John

Guided by Mrs Larke, Head of RE and Debate Team Lead, pupils prepared arguments on motions ranging from environmental protection and community service to cannabis legislation and the six‑week summer holiday. The atmosphere was purposeful and respectful, with every team presenting evidence-informed cases, listening closely to opposing views, and offering thoughtful rebuttals.

Spotlight motion: Should influencers be banned from social media?

One of the most reflective exchanges centred on whether influencers should be banned from social media. Pupils explored how influencer culture intersects with young people’s mental health, weighing risks—such as exposure to potentially harmful content and pressure around body image—against clear positives, including connection, creativity, supportive communities, and the impact of constructive role models.

Drawing on current public discussions and emerging regulation, pupils argued that smart safeguards—not blanket bans—are more likely to protect and empower young people online. Teams referenced the UK’s Online Safety Act, now being phased in, which places legal duties on platforms to keep children safe from illegal and harmful material and to strengthen age assurance and safety‑by‑design. Pupils concluded that an evolving framework can address harms while preserving spaces for youth voice, which is essential to developing tomorrow’s community champions and MPs.

Balancing risks and positives for wellbeing

The winning team linked the motion to recent findings on wellbeing, noting the rise in problematic social media use among adolescents and the risks associated with body image pressure, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption—issues being tackled by policymakers, schools, and families together. At the same time, pupils highlighted positive outcomes: staying connected with friends, accessing support, and finding credible role models—all of which can build resilience and help young people make safer choices online.

What’s next

The winning team will now represent Charter Academy in the next stage of the competition, facing other schools in the region. We are immensely proud of all participants—their courage to speak, curiosity to learn, and empathy for others were evident in every round.

Our thanks to East Norfolk Sixth Form College for leading the heats, and to Mrs Larke for organising this enriching experience for our pupils.