Well, we wouldn’t.  But teaching them to debate, well, that is a useful skill.  I really like the two links below.  The first site describes the origin of debating, in ancient Greece, where those who couldn’t argue convincingly could lose their homes, or worse, their lives.  The second gives great examples of modern day topics that might inspire kids to take a position and really back it up. 

 

http://www.figarospeech.com/teach-a-kid-to-argue/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/good-debate-topics.html