Ideas for High School Newspaper Editorials
High school newspapers typically aim to be as authentic as possible. By including editorials and opinion columns, the newspaper can present ideas and reflect the views of its writers on a number of issues relevant both to the school body and society in general. These editorials can be about school-based, community or big-picture issues.
Other People Are Reading
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Environment
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The environment affects everyone, and within this subject exist opportunities for a wide range of small- and large-picture editorials. For example, the high school may have a littering problem or issues with a new recycling scheme, both of which a student could critique. On a local scale, a student might write a piece looking at ways to go green around town or reacting to city government initiatives concerning the environment. Some environmental issues are national or international; these could include energy use and climate change.
Education
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Education is obviously a top priority for high school students concerned about what goes on at their current educational institution. It's also a concern for the future, since many will attend college. Editorials can react to changes or ideas regarding how the high school is run. Even a minor issue, such as school lunch times, can be a hot topic for affected students. On a larger scale, students might take inspiration for editorials from issues stemming from educational debates on a national scale; a student might look at whether certain college majors are useful in getting a job, for example.
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Ethics and Morals
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Launching a debate on ethical and moral standards within an editorial column could kick-start a school-wide conversation. Such topics certainly encourage the writer to research viewpoints outside her own comfort zone. Topics could include the moral necessity of military intervention in an international crisis, drawing on recent or historical examples, or a look at a code of ethics and what it contains.
Social Issues
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Looking at how people treat one another can turn up a number of interesting editorial topics. For example, a student could critique his high school's anti-bullying measures. Issues affecting minorities in the school or community are bound to be controversial, even if the inspiration for the editorial is found on the national scene. An editorial looking at gay rights or racial discrimination should make for a lively debate.
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References
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