Youths - Social, Ethical Development

Although hunting -- and consequently state revenue associated with hunting activities -- is on the decline across the United States, many states are trying to booster interest in hunting by attracting new and younger people through various mechanisms.

This news article describes a study conducted by University of South Florida professor Kathleen Heide and animal welfare expert Linda Merz-Perez, which indicates that animal abuse during childhood serves as a "red flag." Providing both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the correlation between childhood animal cruelty and adult violent behavior, the results are published in the book Animal Cruelty: Pathway to Violence Against People.

Activist groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are affecting children's meat-eating habits, according to research by the Pork Checkoff. One-third of respondents (ages 9-14) had heard of or visited the PETA website, and 53% of these children indicated that the web site/video had impacted their eating habits in some way.

Time Magazine presents a look at human nature, including how morality develops in humans and the fundamentals and basics behind moral judgment. Specific examples of animal behavior are discussed to illustrate concepts of moral development and enforcement.

Research involving shelters for battered women across 49 states and the District of Columbia showed that a majority of their clients (both women and children) mention companion animal abuse. However, only about a fourth of these shelters systematically ask about companion animal mistreatment during their intake interview process.

The growth of vegetarian food options within schools, restaurants, and grocery stores suggest that there is growing popularity of vegetarianism among youths. As many as 3% of those age 8 to 18 years are vegetarian, according to a 2005 Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) survey.

According to this 2003 University of Southern Florida study, animal abuse during childhood is a "red flag" of adult violent behavior, recommending that adults intervene and take the first signs of cruelty by a child toward an animal seriously. The full results of this study are published in the book, Animal Cruelty: Pathway to Violence Against People, by Kathleen Heide and Linda Merz-Perez.

This 2004 survey conducted by The Stroke Association explored the eating habits of of 4 to 16 year olds in England and Wales, finding that "Roast" dinners are the favorite meal of 20% of respondents, and that more than half learn about healthy eating from their parents. 15% selected "Chinese meals or pasta meals" as their favorite, and 10% said "fish and chips." The survey also addressed children's consumption of fruits and vegetables in depth.

A content analysis of 48 children's realistic animal stories shows an emphasis on pets and petkeeping that can both challenge and support traditional human-animal boundaries. The genre's sympathetic portrayal of pet animals and the condemnation of their mistreatment invite the reader to challenge such boundaries. Yet the genre's stereotypical portrayal of these animals also constrains our conceptualization of the human-animal bond. [Excerpted from article]

An article discussing the opinions of teen girls about animal rights summarizes a survey from Smart Girl Internette about teen attitudes. The survey found that teen girls are conscious of animal issues, though many consider the eating and wearing of animal products as a part of the cycle of life.