Should we teach philosophy to children?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Should we teach philosophy to children?". Your opponent's style: logical and evidence-based

I believe philosophy should be taught to children because it helps develop critical thinking skills from an early age

That's an interesting claim about critical thinking. But what exactly do you mean by "critical thinking skills"? And if philosophy uniquely develops these skills, why do we see many philosophers throughout history who held contradictory or seemingly irrational beliefs? Also, how do you know that children who learn philosophy actually become better critical thinkers than those who don't?

Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, evaluating evidence, and making reasoned judgments. Philosophy teaches children to question assumptions and think systematically.

You say philosophy teaches children to "question assumptions" - but isn't that precisely what young children do naturally? They constantly ask "why" about everything. If children already question assumptions instinctively, what evidence do you have that formal philosophical instruction actually improves this ability rather than potentially stifling their natural curiosity with abstract concepts they may not be developmentally ready for?