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Learn more here: https://debatetoeducate.net/childrens-ai-regulation-summit-april-18th-2026/
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IF_USzlLuZ0F4_ZoxjnjVui3owa6i3UK4NvvKSOFPcA/edit#settings
April 18th, 2026, from 12pm-4pm. Debate to Educate programming hosted at Los Gatos Recreation Center. Open to students ages 8-12
Our Mission
AI (artificial intelligence) is currently developing at a rapid pace, and it is already reshaping our infrastructure, educational systems, and society as a whole. Our current elementary school students are growing up alongside AI, and they will likely be impacted by its development for the rest of their lives!
Because of this, it is crucial that elementary school students are not only fully informed of AI’s potential benefits and drawbacks, but are also granted a seat at the table in the discussion of how it is formed.
Our goal is to empower students to engage with this technologically critically and analytically, so that they may have well-informed opinions on AI, as well as the confidence to express said opinions. We also hope to give our students as wide of a platform as possible, publishing their work digitally and inviting the public to listen in.
We are prioritizing education and empowerment over competition, though trophies and recognition will be given to our top performers.
Our Method
Presentation
Students will present policy recommendations on a Trifold Presentation Board to our judges in a science-fair style layout. Judges will come by and ask students clarifying questions on their recommendations.
Students should provide recommendations in the following areas:
♦ AI and the economy.
♥ AI and psychology.
♣ AI and education.
♠AI and the military.
◊ AI and the environment.
Each policy recommendation should be based on the principles of Policy debate and contain the following components:
♦ Harms: What is the problem this policy is trying to solve?
♦Inherency: Why won’t the problem be solved unless we pass your policy?
♦ Solvency: How would your policy solve the problem?
♦Consequence: (bonus concept!): What would the consequences be for people or companies that violate your policy?
Debate
Students will have the option to sign up for the debate round! If they sign up, they will be placed against a team with very different policy recommendations. They will have half an hour to prepare, and then they will debate why their policy recommendations are better than their opponents. The debate will follow a World School Styles format, but focus will be on arguments over format conformity (education over competition).
Consensus
The top 5 presenters will be invited to a round-table discussion, where they work together to come to consensus on the policy recommendations they have for AI. They will then present their consensus to the audience and special judges. Their presentation will be video-taped and shared as widely as possible.
Trophies and honorable recognition will be awarded to top presenters and top debaters.
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Event Venue
Los Gatos, California, United States
Tickets
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