Photo of kids volunteering by a body of water

Debate photos courtesy of families; Shutterstock.com (volunteers)

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Should Kids Have to Volunteer?

There’s good news for kids who clean up parks or help serve food in shelters. A recent study of more than 50,000 kids found that those who did community service were more likely to be in excellent health than non-volunteers.

“Kids who volunteer are helping the world while also improving their own well-being,” says Kevin Lanza. He led the study and is an assistant professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

Despite the benefits, Lanza thinks kids shouldn’t be forced to volunteer, though they should be encouraged. Others agree. They point out that to volunteer means to do something by choice. Plus, they say, many kids already have schedules packed with homework and activities. 

But many people say requiring kids to volunteer teaches them about responsibility and may inspire them to try new things. In some states, including Arkansas and Maryland, high school students must complete a certain number of community service hours before they can graduate.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Volunteering helps kids learn skills, like how to work well in teams. It also teaches us compassion and shows us that we can make a difference in the world. Many kids might not get that experience if they aren’t required to volunteer.

I recently helped out at an animal shelter, where I read to the animals. I had fun and realized that giving my time is a kind thing to do. Volunteering just once might inspire you to do it again—and encourage others to join you.

Kids should only volunteer if they want to. They will get more out of the experience and have a better attitude if volunteering is their choice. Kids who are forced to do a task might not put their all into it. That’s kind of how I feel about chores!

Kids who are required to do community service might dislike the experience. If that happens, they’d be less likely to volunteer when they’re older. That would be bad because so many organizations depend on volunteers.

What does your class think?

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