Demonstration class: Grade 8 Debate on Beauty Standards and the Influence of Social Media

On Tuesday, November 26, Grade 8 students, together with their English teachers Branislava Grubišić, Dragana Vidović, and Slobodan Stambolić, hosted a demonstration class in the form of a debate on two thought-provoking topics: “Beauty Standards Are Universal Across Cultures” and “Social Media Does More Harm Than Good in Shaping Beauty Perceptions.”

The students divided into two groups, with each team presenting arguments either in favor of or against the assigned statements. The lively debate addressed questions such as the impact of social media on young people, who determines beauty standards, and whether fashion norms allow individuals to express their uniqueness.

Students supported their positions with facts, statistical data, and personal experiences, while also preparing counterarguments to challenge the opposing team’s claims. The debate provided an excellent opportunity to hone communication skills and explore the importance of flexibility in thought.

The session concluded with the realization that letting go of rigid viewpoints and being open to changing one’s mind are valuable outcomes of any reasonable discussion. At the same time, it reinforced the idea that it’s perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree on certain issues.