Issues / Topics

Homelessness remains a critical issue worldwide, affecting individuals and families who lack stable housing and access to basic necessities. 

Hoodie bans, implemented by some establishments to prevent crime and maintain safety, have sparked debates about discrimination and personal freedoms. 

Hooning, involving reckless and dangerous driving behavior, poses significant risks to public safety and often leads to legal and social repercussions. 

Youth crime, encompassing illegal activities by minors, raises concerns about societal influences, the effectiveness of juvenile justice systems, and the need for preventive measures. 

Cannabis use, both recreational and medicinal, remains a contentious issue due to its legal status, potential health effects, and the ongoing debate over its benefits and risks. 

Implementing age verification for social media aims to protect minors from inappropriate content and online predators, but also presents challenges in privacy and practicality. 

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability, perpetuating inequality and social injustice. 

Issues in sport encompass a range of challenges including doping, corruption, inequality, and the mental and physical well-being of athletes. 

The use of facial recognition technology, while enhancing security and convenience, sparks debates over privacy concerns, surveillance, and the potential for misuse and bias. 

Managing children's screentime is a growing concern, as excessive use of digital devices is linked to potential impacts on physical health, development, and social skills. 

Violence in the media is a significant and often controversial issue that examines the impact of violent content in television, movies, video games, and online platforms on individuals and society. Concerns arise over whether exposure to media violence can desensitize people, particularly children and adolescents, to real-life violence, increase aggression, or influence violent behaviour. 

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall well-being that encompasses physical, emotional, and social dimensions. It involves understanding and managing sexual behaviors, relationships, and reproduction in a way that is respectful, safe, and informed. 

Hostile design, also known as defensive or unpleasant design, refers to architectural and urban planning choices that are deliberately made to deter or control certain behaviours in public spaces. These design elements are often subtle but aim to prevent activities like loitering, skateboarding, or even resting. Common examples include benches with dividers that make it uncomfortable for people to sleep on them, spikes or uneven surfaces to discourage sitting, or restrictive architecture around buildings to prevent skateboarders from practicing tricks.

While proponents argue that hostile design promotes safety, cleanliness, and order in urban environments, critics point out that it disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. This type of design raises important ethical questions about inclusivity, human rights, and the broader societal implications of shaping public spaces to exclude rather than accommodate different members of society.

Weapons funding refers to the allocation of financial resources, typically by governments or private entities, for the development, production, and procurement of military weapons and defense technologies. This issue is often controversial due to the ethical, economic, and political implications it carries. Supporters argue that weapons funding is necessary for national defense and global security, while critics raise concerns about the escalation of violence, the arms race, and the diversion of resources from social needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The debate also includes discussions on arms sales to foreign nations, defense budgets, and the influence of the military-industrial complex.

The nature vs. nurture debate is a long-standing discussion in psychology and philosophy that explores the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on human behaviour, development, and personality. "Nature" refers to the inherited traits and genetic makeup that shape who we are, while "nurture" involves the external factors, such as upbringing, culture, and experiences, that influence our growth and actions.