Photo of kids volunteering and picking up litter outside

Debate photos courtesy of families; Westend61/Jose Luis CARRASCOSA/Getty Images (volunteers)

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Should Kids Have to Volunteer?

There’s good news for kids who clean parks or help serve food in shelters. A recent study of more than 50,000 kids found that those who did community service were 34 percent more likely to be in very good 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 should be encouraged to volunteer, not forced. Others agree. They say kids who are made to do something are less likely to enjoy and learn from the experience. Plus, many kids already have schedules packed with homework and activities. 

But some say required volunteering helps kids learn to be responsible. It can also inspire kids to try new things. In some states, like Arkansas and Maryland, high school students are required to complete a certain number of hours of community service in order to 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 do it too.

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. If it’s forced, kids might not put their all into the task. It’s kind of like how I feel about chores!

Kids who are required to do community service could dislike the experience. If so, 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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