Debate Prompt
Should beaches have rules?
Some people say that beaches should have rules. Others say that rules ruin
beaches.What do you think?
N o doubt about it, summer is meant for
kicking back and having fun. And there’s no
better place to chill out on a hot summer’s day
than the beach. In some parts of America,
though, the beach is becoming more and more
like school. No, there aren’t any classes. But
there are definitely a lot of rules.
On some beaches, for instance, there’s
absolutely no ball playing or boom boxes. On
others you can’t have dogs or fly a kite. And
at several beaches in California, you’re not
allowed to throw a Frisbee or use a beach
Rules are a good idea.
Some beaches are so
crazy it’s impossible to
show up without getting injured. And
on the quieter beaches, it just takes a
couple of guys with a football to ruin
everyone’s good time. Rules give
lifeguards more power to make beaches
fun for everyone. Without rules, the
loudest and most obnoxious people
would always dominate the beach.
Your Turn!
Write Now: Make a poster that lists rules you think a beach should have.
18 50 Debate Prompts for Kids © Daley & Dahlie, Scholastic Teaching Resources
umbrella bigger than six feet around. If you
have an illegal umbrella, you get a ticket.
Some people think this is ridiculous. They
say the beach should be a place to get away
from the rules and regulations of everyday
life. Others say it’s about time beaches had
some restrictions. They say that with all the
loud music and objects hurtling through the
air, it’s impossible to relax and have fun.
What do you think? Should beaches have
rules?
The beach is a place to
play, hang out, and have
fun. It is one of the last
places in this country where you can do
whatever you want without anyone
hassling you. Making a lot of rules is just
another way to make life more
complicated. The beach should be easy,
fun, and rule-free. If people want peace
and quiet they should stay in bed!