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Rise in food insecurity drives innovative strategies (CT Mirror)

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Rise in food insecurity drives innovative strategies (CT Mirror)

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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4,500 billion cigarette butts reach the moon and back 117 times In the whole world, around 4,500 billion cigarette butts are chucked on the ground every year! If you line up all these cigarette butts, the line would be 90,000,000 kilometres long. That's as far as travelling to and from the moon 117 times. It takes about three years for a cigarette butt to break down to such tiny pieces that it can't be seen. But even tiny pieces can do damage.

It's hard to work out how much littering costs all around the world. Many coun tries invest lots of resources in cleaning and picking up litter, but it's cheaper to deal with the litter properly right from the start. Waste that can be recycled or burned should be placed in special rubbish tips, where it does as little damage to the environment as possible. But many people are careless and throw things away in the wrong place. Materials that should be recycled end up with rubbish that will be burned and a lot ends up as litter on the ground. This is a waste of Earth's resources because so many things could be used several times over.

When waste is thrown away thoughtlessly, it can cause harm to both animals and people. For example, diseases are spread through faecal matter and needles. A lot of waste also contains hazard ous substanc

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Litter is stuff that ends up on the ground or in lakes and seas, and that shouldn't be there. It could be glass bottles, plastic bags, tins,

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Almost all of us grow up with fond memories of visiting the zoo with our parents, grandparents or friends. Where else do you get to see those amazing, large elephants? Or these cute monkeys climbing and playing? Or those giraffes with their long necks? Unless you are able to afford a trip to Kenya, the zoo is the only place where you can see these amazing animals up close.

However, I wouldn't have listed Zoos under Animal Cruelty, if I didn't think that they were bad for the animals that live in them.

Enclosures The major problem with zoos is that the animals who live there are kept in enclosures that don't allow them to live their lives in a natural way. No matter how big some zoos try to make the enclosures, no matter how many branches they put in them, no matter how beautiful they make the background paintings on the wall, they don't compare with the natural habitat the animals were meant to be in. Zoo animals have to spend day after day, week after week, year after year in the exact same enclosure. This makes their lives very monotonous.

Elephants in the wild, are used to traveling many miles a day in herds of about ten related adults and their offspring. They are very social animals.

In zoos, elephants are usually kept in pairs or even isolated. Their enclosures are incredibly small, compared to what they are used to in the wild. Elephants often show many signs of being stressed out or bored, like engaging in repetitive movements.

It is no surprise that elephants don't do well in zoos at all. The average lifespan of zoo elephants is about 16-18 years, while wild elephants can live 50-70 years.

Stress behaviors
It's not always easy to recognize stress behaviors, since most of us only know these wild animals from seeing them in zoos. Stress behaviors can include repetative movements, pacing back and forth, head bobbing, rocking, repeatedly retracing their steps, sitting motionless or biting the bars of their enclosure or themselves.
The bored cheetah on the right is pacing back and forth, a very common stress behavior in zoo animals.

Baby orangutan Mahal biting the bars of his enclosure.
He died from pneumonia 4 years later, at the age of 5.

Abnormal Repetitive Behavior The scientific term for repetitive behaviors in captive animals is "Abnormal Repetitive Behavior" also know as ARB. This covers all the strange-looking repetitive behaviors we can recognize in captive animals, like zoo animals. These behaviors are caused by conditions like depression, boredom and psychoses. Some zoos actually give anti-depressants or tranquillizers to control the behavior problems of some of their animals.

The clip on the right shows an elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo in the summer. She is swaying her trunk back and forth, which is a sign of stress. This stress behavior is difficult to recognize, which is obvious at the end of the clip when you hear a woman say: "if I could just do that all day, man that would be pretty sweet.". I also overheard a little girl ask her mother what the elephant was doing. Her mother answered that the elephant was "dancing".

The clip on the left shows an elephant at the Milwaukee County Zoo in the winter. She spends almost the entire day in this small, concrete enclosure and is showing obvious signs of stress. I would walk away from the elephants to come back an hour later, and she would still be performing these same repetitive movements.

Zoo: Collection of Unhappy Animals
What makes life so difficult for zoo animals is that they hardly have any privacy and lack mental stimulation and physical exercise. Even though you might think that zoo animals would get used to a life in captivity, they really don't. Even animals that are bred in zoos still retain their natural instincts after many generations of captive breeding.
Animals like polar bears or felines are used to hunting; this habit is replaced by the zoo with regular feedings. Most animals kept in zoos would naturally roam for tens of miles a day.

Once you start recognizing the signs of stress in zoo animals and understand how sad and boring their lives must be, zoos will look completely different to you.

Polar bear at a zoo.

Conservation
Zoos claim to help with conservation. However, hardly any zoo registers their animals on an international species database and most zoo animals are not endangered at all.
Even though there are thousands of endangered species, zoos have only been able to return about 16 species to the wild with varying level of success. Most zoo animals released in the wild don't survive. This is because zoos don't provide the right environment for a successful captive breeding project. The animals would need to live in habitats resembling their natural ones, especially in terms of climate and fauna. The animals would also need to be raised with minimal human contact and in populations large enough to provide a natural social balance and a suitable gene pool.

Breeding Programs
Zoos spend huge amounts of money on their breeding programs, even though breeding animals in captivity isn't the best way to help in conservation. It is at least 50 times more expensive to maintain elephants in zoos than to protect equivalent numbers of elephants in the wild. Using the money for conservation programs in the wild - by creating more protected reserves for instance - will not only allow the animals to live in their natural habitat, it also helps balance whole eco-systems.
Zoos main interest in breeding programs, is to attract visitors, who love to see baby animals.

Surplus Animals
Surplus animals are the unwanted animals for whom there is no more space, when zoos have bred yet another cute little baby to attract visitors. They can even be the cute babies themselves when they've stopped being cute at the end of the season. Zoos have a systematic "overproduction" of animals. These surplus animals are either killed - and sometimes fed to their fellow zoo habitants - or sold to other zoos or dealers.
Selling animals is a profitable way for zoos to dispose of them. Dealers will sell them to hunting ranches, pet shops, circuses, the exotic meat industry, and research facilities. Surplus animals are also found for sale on the internet.

Teaching Tool Zoos are considered a great teaching tool where children and adults can learn a lot about wild animals. Zoos however, hardly teach you anything about how wild animals live and behave in nature. Just compare the picture of the hippopotamuses in nature (to the right) with the one at the zoo (below). Zoos are not much more than a collection of sad and exploited animals and are giving a very bad example about how we should treat these fellow occupants of our Earth.

What is the Alternative?
So if we shouldn't visit zoos, how else can we learn about these amazing animals?
Animals should be observed in their natural habitat, where they are living the life that they were meant to live. If we can't afford to visit them, we can learn about these amazing wild animals by watching wildlife videos, television programs or by reading about them on the internet or in books and magazines. It is simply not right to enjoy seeing these animals while they are living a horribly sad life.

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Almost all of us grow up with fond memories of visiting the zoo with our parents, grandparents or friends. Where else do you get to see those amazing, large elephants? Or these cute monkeys climbing and playing? Or those giraffes with their long necks?

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Learn What To Do

Are you being bullied? Do you see bullying at your school? There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids you know safe from bullying.
More Information

Get The Facts

Bullying is being mean to another kid over and over again. Bullying often includes:

Teasing

Talking about hurting someone

Spreading rumors

Leaving kids out on purpose

Attacking someone by hitting them or yelling at them

Bullying does not always happen in person. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens online or through text messages or emails. It includes posting rumors on sites like Facebook, sharing embarrassing pictures or videos, and making fake profiles or websites.

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There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids you know safe from bullying. Find out more at StopBullying.gov.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Giant floating trash collector sets its sights on large ocean garbage patch

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As much as 9.5 million tons of trash is deposited into the ocean each year.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Food like scent of some plastic lures fish, new study finds

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Food like scent of some plastic lures fish, new study finds

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Sea turtles are munching on plastic garbage floating in the ocean

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Sea turtles dangerously munch on ocean plastics

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Evidence shows that microplastics are harmful to ocean zooplankton

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Get moving! Exercise really does pay off, says long-term study

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Just don't stand there, people. Here's why.

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Newsela | American teens are still not getting enough exercise

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Teens need to bend and stretch some more.

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You might not want to sit after reading this

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You might not want to sit after reading this

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Climate Change for Kids | A fun engaging introduction to climate change for kids

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Newsela | Climate change is a major threat to coral living on the Great Barrier Reef

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Newsela | Global warming makes life tough for already at-risk polar bears

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how does climate change affect animals habitats - - Video Search Results

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The search engine that helps you find exactly what you're looking for. Find the most relevant information, video, images, and answers from all across the Web.

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Newsela | Australia's Great Barrier Reef losing brilliant colors to climate change

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It's the environment versus the economy in the Great Barrier Reef climate debate.

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how does climate change affect animals habitats - - Video Search Results

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The search engine that helps you find exactly what you're looking for. Find the most relevant information, video, images, and answers from all across the Web.

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Wildlife depends on healthy habitats. They need the right temperatures, fresh water, food sources, and places to raise their young. Climate change is altering key habitat elements that are critical to wildlife's survival and putting natural resources in jeopardy.

Temperature: Melting Arctic ice removes hunting ground from polar bears. Warmer water temperatures will cause population declines for trout, salmon, and many other species that require cold water to survive. Rising ocean temperatures have already caused massive coral bleaching, leading to the collapse of these ecosystems, which sustain huge numbers of fish. Coral bleaching occurs when colorful algae that live in corals die or are expelled from corals under stress. The algae live symbiotically with coral polyps, providing them with nutrients and oxygen. If the algae die and are not replaced, the corals will also die.

Many species take their cues about when to migrate, flower, nest, or mate from seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, and daylight. Climate change is confusing those signals and forcing wildlife to alter their life cycle and seasonal events. In the western United States, warming and drought stress are causing trees to die and making them more vulnerable to pine beetle and other insect infestations. Higher temperatures and increased fuel from dead trees have led to more wildfires.

Water: Larger floods are expected to increase erosion levels, reducing water quality and degrading aquatic habitat. Severe droughts stress and can kill plants on which wildlife depend for food and shelter, and deprives wildlife of water sources.

Food: Some animals are laying eggs, migrating, or emerging from hibernation much earlier than they used to, only to find that the plants or the insects they need for food have not yet emerged. Climate change has altered food availability for migratory species; birds arrive on schedule to find that their food sources-insects, seeds, flowering plants-have hatched or bloomed too early or not at all. Milder winters cause seasonal food caches to spoil, so wildlife species like the gray jay depending on food stores to survive the winter are left without sustenance.

Places to raise young: Droughts caused by climate change could dry up 90 percent of central U.S. wetlands, eliminating essential breeding habitat for ducks, geese, and other migratory species. Rising sea level and changes in salinity could decimate mangrove forests, leaving many fish, shellfish, and other wildlife without a place to breed, feed, or raise offspring.

Often overlooked, just as important as the many ways in which our climate is changing, is that it is changing so fast and thus the urgent need to address climate change. Species may not be able to adapt to rapid climate change or to move fast enough to more suitable areas as their current habitats become less suitable for them. Unless significant action is taken now, climate change will likely become the single most important factor to affect wildlife since the emergence of mankind.

Our country is home to a diverse array of wildlife ranging from the highest peaks, to the driest deserts, to freshwater and marine environments, and to all the places in between. These abundant and diverse wildlife resources, which are so important to our culture and well-being, face a bleak future if we don't address climate change.

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Climate Change and Habitats | National Wildlife Federation

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Climate change is altering key habitat elements that are critical to wildlife's survival and putting natural resources in jeopardy.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Ten ways climate change can make wildfires worse

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Scientists say some effects of climate change can make wildfires more intense and harder to control.

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Newsela | Hurricanes and typhoons are taking their cues from a changing global climate

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Scientists say global warming is beginning to affect the hurricane and typhoon seasons.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Benefits of Drinking Water

Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted for drinks with calories, such as sweet tea or regular soda.
Water helps your body:

Keep a normal temperature.

Lubricate and cushion joints.

Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.

Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Your body needs more water when you are:

In hot climates.

More physically active.

Running a fever.

Having diarrhea or vomiting.

Everyone should consume water from foods and beverages every day.

Although there is no recommendation for how much plain water everyone should drink daily, there are recommendations for how much daily total water intake should come from a variety of beverages and foods.

Daily total water intake (fluid) is defined as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages. Daily water intake recommendations vary by age, sex, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding status.Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and other beverages you drink. You can get some fluids through the foods that you eat-especially foods with high water content, such as many fruits and vegetables. Drinking water is one good way of getting fluids as it has zero calories.

Tips to Drink More Water

Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.

Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.

Choose water over sugary drinks.

Opt for water when eating out. You'll save money and reduce calories.

Serve water during meals.

Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.

Make sure your kids are getting enough water too. Learn more about drinking water in schools and early care and education settings [PDF-3.68MB] .

Healthier Drink Options

Of course, there are many other beverage options besides water, and many of these can be part of a healthy diet.

Low- or no- calorie beverages
Plain coffee or teas, sparkling water, seltzers, and flavored waters, are low-calorie choices that can be part of a healthy diet.

Drinks with calories and important nutrients
Low-fat or fat-free milk; unsweetened, fortified milk alternatives; or 100% fruit or vegetable juice contain important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, or vitamin D. These drinks should be enjoyed within recommended calorie limits.

Other Beverages

Sugary drinks: Regular sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and sweetened coffee and tea beverages, contain calories but little nutritional value [PDF-30.6MB] . Learn how to rethink your drink.

Alcoholic drinks: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Caffeinated drinks: Moderate caffeine consumption (up to 400 mg per day) can be a part of a healthy diet [PDF-30.6MB] . That's up to about 3 to 5 cups of plain coffee.

Drinks with sugar alternatives: Drinks that are labeled "sugar-free" or "diet" likely contain high-intensity sweeteners, such as sucralose, aspartame, or saccharine. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, " replacing added sugars with high-intensity sweeteners may reduce calorie intake in the short-term...yet questions remain about their effectiveness as a long-term weight management strategy [PDF-30.6MB] ." Learn more about high-intensity sweeteners.

Sports drinks: These are flavored beverages that often contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes, and sometimes vitamins. The average person should drink water, not sports drinks, to rehydrate.

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Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Learn how to drink more water and choose healthier drinks.

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It's no magic bullet, but the benefits of water are many.

Americans seem to carry bottled water everywhere they go these days. In fact, it has become the second most popular drink (behind soft drinks). But water lovers got a jolt recently when we heard that a new report had found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold. Apparently, the old suggestion to drink eight glasses a day was nothing more than a guideline, not based on scientific evidence.

But don't put your water bottle or glass down just yet. While we may not need eight glasses, there are plenty of reasons to drink water. In fact, drinking water (either plain or in the form of other fluids or foods) is essential to your health.

"Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods. All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day," says Joan Koelemay, RD, dietitian for the Beverage Institute, an industry group.

Kaiser Permanente nephrologist Steven Guest, MD, agrees: "Fluid losses occur continuously, from skin evaporation, breathing, urine, and stool, and these losses must be replaced daily for good health," he says.

When your water intake does not equal your output, you can become dehydrated. Fluid losses are accentuated in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes, and in older adults, whose sense of thirst may not be as sharp.

Here are six reasons to make sure you're drinking enough water or other fluids every day:

1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.

"Through the posterior pituitary gland, your brain communicates with your kidneys and tells it how much water to excrete as urine or hold onto for reserves," says Guest, who is also an adjunct professor of medicine at Stanford University.

When you're low on fluids, the brain triggers the body's thirst mechanism. And unless you are taking medications that make you thirsty, Guest says, you should listen to those cues and get yourself a drink of water, juice, milk, coffee -- anything but alcohol.

"Alcohol interferes with the brain and kidney communication and causes excess excretion of fluids which can then lead to dehydration," he says.

2. Water Can Help Control Calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn't have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.

"What works with weight loss is if you choose water or a non-caloric beverage over a caloric beverage and/or eat a diet higher in water-rich foods that are healthier, more filling, and help you trim calorie intake," says Penn State researcher Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan.

Food with high water content tends to look larger, its higher volume requires more chewing, and it is absorbed more slowly by the body, which helps you feel full. Water-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal, and beans.

3. Water Helps Energize Muscles. Cells that don't maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. "When muscle cells don't have adequate fluids, they don't work as well and performance can suffer," says Guest.

Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. Follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for fluid intake before and during physical activity. These guidelines recommend that people drink about 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. During exercise, they recommend that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.

4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don't expect over- hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines, says Atlanta dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, MD.

" Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration," he says. "But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids."

You can also help "lock" moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.

5. Water Helps Your Kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine, explains Guest. "Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate," he says.

When you're getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increases because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.

If you chronically drink too little, you may be at higher risk for kidney stones, especially in warm climates, Guest warns.

6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don't get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration -- and the result is constipation.

"Adequate fluid and fiber is the perfect combination, because the fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly," says Koelemay.

5 Tips to Help You Drink More

If you think you need to be drinking more, here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water:

1. Have a beverage with every snack and meal.

2. Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.

4. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.

5. Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you're watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.

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It's no magic bullet, but the benefits of water are many. Americans seem to carry bottled water everywhere they go these days. In fact, it has become the second most popular drink (behind soft drinks). But water lovers got a jolt recently when we heard that a new report had found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold.

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15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts

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Drinking water is often overlooked as a necessary part of staying healthy. The body and blood are largely made of water, and so we need a lot of fluid to function. Consequences of not drinking enough include urinary infections and kidney stones. Find out here how drinking enough water helps the body…

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Water: How much should you drink every day?

Water is essential to good health. Are you getting enough? These guidelines can help you find out.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
How much water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with no easy answer.

Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years. But your individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

No single formula fits everyone. But knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

What are the health benefits of water?

Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 50&percnt; to 70&percnt; of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive.

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

Gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements

Keeps your temperature normal

Lubricates and cushions joints

Protects sensitive tissues

Lack of water can lead to dehydration - a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men

About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20&percnt; of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?

You've probably heard the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day. That's easy to remember, and it's a reasonable goal.

Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than eight glasses a day might be enough. But other people might need more.

You might need to modify your total fluid intake based on several factors:

Exercise. If you do any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It's important to drink water before, during and after a workout.

Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional fluid. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.

Overall health. Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor's recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you may need additional fluids to stay hydrated.

Is water the only option for staying hydrated?

No. You don't need to rely only on water to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100&percnt; water by weight.

In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks - such as coffee and soda - can contribute to your daily water intake. But go easy on sugar-sweetened drinks. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain a lot of added sugar, which may provide more calories than needed.

How do I know if I'm drinking enough?

Your fluid intake is probably adequate if:

You rarely feel thirsty

Your urine is colorless or light yellow

Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine the amount of water that's right for you every day.

To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water:

With each meal and between meals

Before, during and after exercise

If you feel thirsty

Should I worry about drinking too much water

Drinking too much water is rarely a problem for healthy, well-nourished adults. Athletes occasionally may drink too much water in an attempt to prevent dehydration during long or intense exercise. When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.

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Show references

1. Office of Patient Education. The heat is on! Precautions for people with diabetes during the summer months. Mayo Clinic, 2018.

2. Auerbach PS, et al., eds. Dehydration and rehydration. In: Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2020.

3. Water & nutrition. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

4. Dietary reference intakes for electrolytes and water. U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/dietary-reference-intakes-for-electrolytes-and-water. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

5. Franklin BA. Exercise prescription and guidance for adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

6. High-altitude travel & altitude illness. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/noninfectious-health-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

7. Bardosono S, et al. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Drinking for two. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism. 2017; doi:10.1159/000462998.

8. Sterns RH. Maintenance and replacement fluid therapy in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

9. Gordon B. How much water do you need. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/healthy-eating/how-much-water-do-you-need. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

10. 10 tips: Make better beverage choices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-make-better-beverage-choices. Accessed Oct. 2, 2020.

11. Thomas DT, et al. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016; doi:10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006.

12. Armstrong LE, et al. Water intake, water balance, and the elusive daily water requirement. Nutrients. 2018; doi:10.3390/nu10121928.

See more In-depth

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How much water do you need to stay healthy?

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Know how much water to drink to stay healthy and hydrated.

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Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752.

The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regent's Park, these zoos were intended for "genteel amusement and edification," according to Emma Marris, environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals.

Carl Hegenbeck, a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction.

Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying "exotic" humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. A gorilla named Madame Ningo, the first gorilla to arrive in the United States in 1911 who was to live at the Bronx Zoo, was fed hot dinners and cooked meat despite gorillas being herbivores, for example.

The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them.

Should Zoos Exist?

Pro 1

Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts.

As of Apr. 2021, there are 241 accredited zoos in the United States. The zoos attract over 181 million visitors annually, which is more than the approximately 131 million yearly spectators of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB combined.

According to a study of 26 zoos worldwide published in Conservation Biology, visitors to zoos increased their knowledge of biodiversity and specific individual actions to protect biodiversity.

Robin Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of American Humane, stated, "zoos provide people, especially impressionable children, with the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. People won't protect what they don't love, and they can't love what they don't know. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. Just look at a child's eyes at the zoo when he or she encounters a tiger or similarly majestic animal."
Read More

Pro 2

Zoos produce helpful scientific research.

228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts between 1993 and 2013. In 2017, 173 accredited US zoos spent $25 million on research, studied 485 species and subspecies of animals, worked on 1,280 research projects, and published 170 research manuscripts.

Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus.
Read More

Pro 3

Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers.

Corroboree frogs, eastern bongos, regent honeyeaters, Panamanian golden frogs, Bellinger River snapping turtles, golden lion tamarins, and Amur leopards, among others, have been saved from extinction by zoos.

Zoos are also working to save polar bears, tigers, and wild African elephants from habitat loss, apes and rhinos from poachers, dolphins and whales from hunters, and bees and butterflies from population declines, among many other efforts to help many other animals.

Przewalski's horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild.
Read More

Con 1

Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive.

A review published in Animal Studies Repository concluded, "to date there is no compelling or even particularly suggestive evidence for the claim that zoos and aquariums promote attitude change, education, and interest in conservation in visitors." Even a study widely cited to justify the argument that zoos educate the public stated, "there was no overall statistically significant change in understanding [of ecological concepts] seen" because visitors know a lot about ecology before going to the zoo.

TV shows such as Planet Earth bring wild animals into living rooms, allowing people to see the animals in their natural habitats without causing harm to animals such as the endangered snow leopard. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, "It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. The animals always look miserable in captivity... [T]he idea that kids only get excited about things they can see in the flesh is ridiculous. My kids are obsessed with dinosaurs that no longer exist, and Skylanders, which have never existed."
Read More

Con 2

Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health.

A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures.

About 70% of adult male gorillas in North America have heart disease, the leading cause of death among gorillas in captivity, although the condition is almost completely absent in the wild. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity.

Captive elephants live about half as long as wild elephants: 18.9 years v. 41.7 years for Asian elephants and 16.9 years v. 35.8 years for African elephants. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death.
Read More

Con 3

Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals.

A study of captive chimpanzees found that "abnormal behaviour is endemic in the population," and includes behaviors such as eating feces, twitching, rocking back and forth, plucking hair, pacing, vomiting, and self-mutilation, among others. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues.
Read More

Discussion Questions
1. Should zoos exist? If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoo's conservation efforts.

2. Extend the debate to other human-made animal habitats, such as safari parks and animal sanctuaries.

3. What other conservation efforts are important to saving wildlife? Explain your answer(s).
Take Action
1. Analyze " Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation " from conservation scientist James Borrell.

2. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise.

3. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinall's opinion that zoos are "outdated and cruel."

4. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? If so, how? List two to three ways. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the "other side of the issue" now helps you better argue your position.

5. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives.
Sources

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Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive.

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Humans have an insatiable fascination with wild animals. Every year, millions of people go on safaris, board whale-watching cruises and watch Jeff Corwin get attacked by snakes on Animal Planet; others drive to their local zoo for a full day of animal gazing.

This interest in animals is nothing new: Zoos have been entertaining people with exotic animal collections as far back as 1250 B.C. [source: Fravel]. Later, in early 13th-century England, Henry III moved his family's royal menagerie to the Tower of London for public viewing. For a small fee, visitors would be treated to glimpses of animals like lions, camels and lynxes. And if they brought a dog or cat to feed the lions, they got in for free [source: Encarta].

The first modern zoo -- the Imperial Menagerie in Vienna, Austria -- was established in 1752 and continues to attract visitors to this day. Nearby, in Germany, is the world's largest animal collection: Zoo Berlin (formerly The Berlin Zoological Gardens) houses more than 15,000 animals from almost 1,700 species [source: Encarta].

All U.S. animal exhibitors, like the 265-acre (107-hectare) Bronx Zoo just a subway ride away from Fifth Avenue, must apply for and receive a license from the Department of Agriculture. Millions of people visit the thousands of zoos around the world, proving that we simply never grow tired of observing wildlife.

Depending on your point of view, though, zoos are either sanctuaries of education and entertainment or unnecessary prisons. While some people argue that zoos play an important role in conservation and research, others counter that they do more harm than good.

So which is it? Are zoos good or bad? And how do you differentiate between what's good for one animal versus what's good for the entire species? It's a delicate question and one that can't easily be answered. Let's start with the good news.

Zoo Pros: Education, Conservation, Entertainment

Zoos have improved significantly in the last 4,000 or so years. Gone are the old steel-bar enclosures and cold cement cages. Most zoos these days use natural-looking barriers like moats or ditches to separate animals from people, and have mini-habitats that resemble the animals' natural environment.

Adding another point for zoo pros, the procedure for acquiring animals has also changed. Whereas zoos previously captured most of their specimens directly from the wild, they now get many animals through captive breeding programs and other zoos. Some breeding programs also help to restore threatened species. After 10 years of working to strengthen the population numbers of the endangered California condor, a type of vulture, the Los Angeles and San Diego zoos were able to rebuild a population of fewer than two dozen birds to around 170 birds [source: Encarta].

Successful breeding programs brought the Pere David's deer back from extinction. Though this Asian deer ceased to exist in the wild, Chinese and European zoo programs enabled four of the deer to be released back into the wild in 1985, where they're now self-sustaining [source: Encarta].

Some zoos also take in abandoned animals that wouldn't otherwise have a home. Both the Baltimore Zoo and the Detroit Zoo have taken in polar bears rescued from a traveling circus, and the Bronx Zoo took in an orphaned snow leopard from Pakistan in 2007. The cub, Leo, now spends his time frolicking and chasing small animals that wander into his enclosure [source: Majkowski].

And although zoo animals aren't treated quite like guests at a four-star hotel, their care has improved tremendously. Zookeepers now understand that many animals, such as monkeys, bears and elephants, need engaging activities to prevent boredom and mental deterioration. This is why you'll often see chimps playing with toys or tigers "hunting" for a meal.

Aside from taking care of captive animals, many zoos also contribute to the care of their wild counterparts. The Toledo Zoo, in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, is helping to restore butterfly habitats in Ohio, and the Bronx Zoo has channeled more than $3 million toward conservation projects in central Africa [source: Fravel].

Zoos also present an opportunity for scientists to conduct research. In 2002, zoos participated in 2,230 research and conservation projects in more than 80 countries. The information they gather helps them to develop new medicines and techniques to improve animal health [source: Fravel].

Beyond the positive impact zoos try to have on animals, they often affect the people visiting as well. Zoos don't just entertain, they also aim to educate. With a variety of programs geared toward children and adults, zoos teach people about the needs of animals and the importance of conservation. And if people get excited enough, the thinking goes that they'll be more inclined to donate money to conservation efforts -- another zoo pro.

The fact that zoos impact people in a positive way is nice, but it's not the people critics worry about -- it's the animals.

Zoo Cons: Wild Animals Are Meant to Be Wild

For evidence of some zoo cons, you need look no further than Maggie the elephant. Until the Alaska Zoo finally caved in to public pressure in 2007, Maggie was forced to spend days on end in a small indoor enclosure because of the frigid outside temperatures. Perhaps as a form of protest, she refused to use the elephant-sized treadmill the zoo brought in to encourage her to exercise [source: National Geographic].

Even in optimal conditions, some experts contend, it's incredibly difficult to provide for the needs of animals like elephants. If Maggie and her captive compatriots lived in the wild, they would wander as much as 30 miles (48 kilometers) a day in large groups, grazing on leaves and stopping to splash in the occasional watering hole. As it is, they're lucky to get a few acres and a roommate or two [source: Lemonick].

Maggie's story is just one of many. Zebras at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. starved to death because of insufficient or incorrect food, and the same zoo's red pandas died after ingesting rat poison [source: Farinato]. And while many zoos, like those in the United States, are supposed to at least meet the minimum requirements spelled out in documents like the Animal Welfare Act, standards aren't always adequate or enforced [source: Farinato].

While conditions have improved from the years of bars and cages, detractors take issue with other items. Although the natural-looking habitats are certainly more attractive, people like David Hancocks, a zoo consultant and former zoo director, describe them as mere illusions, arguing that they're not much of an improvement in terms of space [source: Lemonick]. Indeed, many captive animals exhibit signs of severe distress: People have witnessed elephants bobbing their heads, bears pacing back and forth and wild cats obsessively grooming themselves [source: Lemonick, Fordahl].

Animal behaviorists maintain that their distress is understandable. Animals like zebras, giraffes and gazelles were designed to run across miles of open terrain, not live out their lives in captivity. Despite a zoo's best efforts, its animals often are deprived of privacy, confined to inadequate spaces and unable to engage in natural hunting and mating activities. Forced to live in artificial constructs, many animals succumb to what some people refer to as zoochosis, the display of obsessive, repetitive behaviors [source: Naturewatch].

In addition, many animals have precise needs that zookeepers are just beginning to understand. Some, like the aardvark, survive on a limited diet that zoos have a hard time fulfilling; others thrive only in certain temperatures and environments that aren't easy to recreate.

Even zoos' conservation efforts leave something to be desired. Of 145 reintroduction programs carried out by zoos in the last century, only 16 truly succeeded in restoring populations to the wild [source: Fravel]. The condors mentioned on the previous page? About two-thirds of them were actually strong enough to survive in the wild [source: Encarta].

Zoos may not even benefit people as much as once thought. According to one study, many visitors don't pay much attention to the animals -- they're actually talking to each other about unrelated things and spending only a few minutes at each display [source: Booth].

It's a toss-up whether zoos are good or bad for animals. As you've seen, it depends a lot on what zoo you're talking about. It also depends on whether you're referring to the well-being of a single animal actually living in a zoo or an animal, thousands of miles away, benefiting from the zoo's research and conservation efforts. If you had the communicative power of Dr. Doolittle, Leo leopard would likely tell you that zoos are great; however Maggie the elephant might respond by slapping you with her trunk.

Originally Published: Sep 18, 2008

Are Zoos Good or Bad FAQ

Do zoos help or harm animals?

While some suggest that zoos exploit captive animals and that wild animals should be wild, these facilities also present wildlife conservation attempts and learning opportunities as well. Zoos may introduce trauma to animals, but they are also taken care of in zoos.

Why is captivity bad for animals?

Keeping animals in a restricted space can inflict both psychological and physical trauma. Zoos also may deprive animals of their natural instinct of socialism, hierarchy and companionship.

Do animals get harmed in zoos?

While zoos don't offer the best environment for animals, there are several laws and humanitarian causes that prevent zoos from exploiting captive animals. Physical harm is prohibited against animals in several zoos. Psychological harm, however, is something that comes naturally with the idea of confinement.

How do zoos affect animal behavior?

No matter how well animals are treated, captivity has a psychological impact that ends up changing animals' emotions and thought processes. It is common to see animals depressed and stressed. However, companionship and offspring have shown to reduce these psychological ailments.

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Humans have an insatiable fascination with wild animals. Every year, millions of people go on safaris, board whale-watching cruises and watch Jeff Corwin get attacked by snakes on Animal Planet; others drive to their local zoo for a full day of animal gazing.

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A couple of weeks ago, there was an accident at Cincinnati zoo. A child fell into an enclosure with a gorilla named Harambe, and to protect the child the gorilla was shot. I'm not going to recount the story, for three reasons:

1. Dozens and dozens of articles have poured over the minutia of the events already.

2. I very much doubt I have anything new I could add.

3. This one event, however tragic, simply doesn't interest me very much, when there are vastly more important things to write about.

Yet what this events has done, is reignite the debate over the role of zoos (and aquaria). Whilst much of attention that generates is unfortunately negative, it does give folks like me an opportunity to shout about the great and critically important work zoos do for conservation (and how they might get better at it in the future).

Normally, one would hope that zoos themselves would be proudly showcasing their work, but as I discovered last week on Al Jazeera given the barrage of attacks that Cincinnati experienced, many zoos are reluctant to speak up. So with the debate being a little one-sided, here's some of the reasons zoos are critical to conservation.

The Role of Zoos in Conservation

1. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. These are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos. For me, this is the single most important role zoos can play. Incidentally, it's the same for botanic gardens too, but no-one seems to care about those!

2. For species whose survival in the wild looks in doubt, zoos often set up 'insurance' populations. These are captive groups of animals that could in a worst case scenario assist in reintroduction to the wild, should the original population go extinct. The Amur leopard, for example: There are perhaps 35-65 left in the wild, a species teetering right on the brink. But fortunately there is a long running breeding program with over 200 surviving in captivity. The Zoological Society of London, as an example, participates in over 160 of these programmes.

3. Reintroduction. It is often argued that zoos are bad because so few reintroduction actually happen. I would argue that it's not the zoos at fault, it's that a reintroduction can't occur if the reason they went extinct in the first place hasn't been resolved. Amongst the most well known and successful reintroductions are:

The Californian Condor, only 23 existed in the wild in the early 1980s. The last of the wild population was taken into captivity in a last ditched attempt to save the species, with chicks being reared at San Diego zoo. It worked. There are now more than 400 in the wild.

The Golden Lion Tamarin, perhaps the most famous of all reintroductions. In 2003, the Golden Lion Tamarin was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered after thirty years of tireless conservation efforts involving the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and the Associação Mico-Leao-Dourado in Rio de Janeiro. More than one-third of the wild population are descendants of the reintroduction program which has contributed significantly not only to the numbers of living in the wild, but also to the protection 3,100 ha of forests within their range.

Indeed the very idea of reintroducing species is new, and fraught with difficulties. It's risky and hard. No-one wants it to go wrong, so give them your support.

4. In 2014, 700 million people visited zoos worldwide. OK, not all zoos are good at engagement. Indeed not all zoos are good full stop. But, surely that number of visits had to create some sort of connection with the natural world that might not have occurred otherwise.

5. Zoos are a living museum. What we learn about wild animals in captivity can help us manage and conserve them in the wild. From animal behaviour, to reproductive rates to dietary requirements.

6. Zoos raise money for conservation efforts. It's difficult to engage people with conservation efforts taking place half a world away, believe me, I know. But by enabling people to experience wildlife first hand, and using that as a vessel in which to tell a story, we can I hope increase participation in international conservation efforts.

7. Helping respond to emergencies. In the last 20 years, an estimated 168 amphibian species have gone extinct. In addition to habitat loss, chytrid fungus has emerged as a deadly threat to worldwide amphibian populations. Responding to threats such as this, especially in small or medium sized vertebrates is surely one of the greatest uses of zoos around the world. In fact, many zoos have set up specialist amphibian centers and are pioneering treatment and breeding programmes.

8. They remind us that we can succeed. Conservation is full of bad news stories, yet on many occasions I have stood peering through glass at a species that shouldn't exist. At WWT Barnes on the outskirts of London I have stood on a wet Winter day watching Nene, which was once the world's rarest goose (now, incidentally, successfully reintroduced). In Antsohihy, Madagascar I have peered through the mesh fence at the world's only population of Malagasy pochard, a duck thought to be extinct for years and then rediscovered. In the UK I've stood while a Bali Myna flew over my head, a bird numbering less than 100 in the wild (but thankfully more than 1000 in captivity). For me at least, zoos remind us that conservation does work, we just need more of it.

So where Do Zoos Go In the Future?

But zoos are not perfect. Should they continue to keep large predators, or intelligent primates? Over the next few decades, probably not. Should large new animals be collected from the wild? No, unless there is a compelling case to develop a captive breeding program. But are zoos changing and developing? Yes! More than ever, good zoos are aware of their evolving role in conservation and responding to it.

Would I rather have a species in captivity, than not at all. One hundred times, yes. What we don't need is knee-jerk reactions to tragic accidents.

It's easy to attack zoos

It's absolutely right that there are bad zoos too, both in the UK and around the world. But I would argue that it's easy to criticise something with a visible and physical presence. What is much, much harder is taking action to support conservation in the field, to reduce the impact of climate change or tackle pollution.

These things are a lot less tangiable, a lot harder to get to grips with. It's difficult for one individual to feel that they have made much of a difference, and so often we don't get the same feeling of satisfaction or achievement. That I think is why so many animal rights groups attack zoos, when instead I would argue that they could achieve a much greater net good by working together and protecting natural habitats.

Zoos are run by people who love animals, but as with any passion project, we might differ in our views on how best to achieve what we want. So I would urge you to support the good ones, improve the bad ones, don't tar them all with the same brush and remember: The focus should be on protecting natural habitats and that zoos can help achieve that.

Live Debate on Al Jazeera

Yet despite zoos popularity with the public, it seems that finding someone willing to defend and support zoos work on live TV is difficult. In fact the zoos themselves were reluctant to send their own representatives for fear of going head to head with vocal animal rights activists. And so instead, I volunteered to voice my views. Let me know what you think!

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8 Reasons that Zoos are Critically Important for Conservation

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A couple of weeks ago, there was an accident at Cincinnati zoo. A child fell into an enclosure with a gorilla named Harambe, and to protect the child the gorilla was shot. I'm not going to recount the story, for three reasons: Dozens and dozens of articles have

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12 Reasons Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Zoos

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Taking your family for a day out at the zoo has been a sort of tradition for a very long time and given recent statics the number of visitors is growing. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic.

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Newsela | Rewarding good behavior as a way to stop school bullying

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A middle school in Illinois hands out "Stallion Medallions" to students who tell a classmate to stop picking on someone. The tokens can be redeemed for small prizes.

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Bullying is when someone is hurt by unwanted words or actions, usually more than once and has a hard time stopping what is happening to them.
Note: This is not a school or legal definition, but rather a way to help understand and identify bullying.
Bullying can be:

Physical

hitting

pushing and shoving

fighting

tripping

yelling at someone

making rude gestures

taking or breaking another person's things

Emotional

name calling

making fun of someone

laughing at someone

leaving someone out on purpose

starting rumors or telling lies about someone

sending mean messages on a computer or cell phone

trying to make someone feel bad about who they are

Where Does Bullying Happen?

Bullying can happen anywhere. It can occur in your neighborhood, while going to school, at school, and while on-line.

What is Cyberbullying?

Using technology-internet, email, cell phones, social media, pictures- to hurt or harm someone else.

Includes:

Sending mean text messages

Posting statements online that are unkind or not true

Sending or posting pictures that are not yours to share

Making negative comments online about someone

Agreeing with someone who posts something hurtful

Bullying is never okay, cool, or acceptable.
No one EVER deserves to be bullied.

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Bullying is when someone is hurt by unwanted words or actions, usually more than once and has a hard time stopping what is happening to them. Note: This is not a school or legal definition, but rather a way to help understand and identify bullying.

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If you're being bullied, there's a lot you can do:

Know that you do not deserve what is happening.

Tell someone: your parents, a teacher or trusted adult.

Develop a plan, with the help of an adult, about how you can respond to the situation.

Decide-with the help of an adult-how other students might help.

Know your rights: most states have laws against bullying.

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If you're being bullied, there's a lot you can do: Know that you do not deserve what is happening. Tell someone: your parents, a teacher or trusted adult. Develop a plan, with the help of an adult, about how you can respond to the situation. Decide-with the help of an adult-how other students might help.

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It's never too late to change bullying behavior. Here's where to start: Stop any behavior that causes someone harm. Understand that your actions are hurting someone. Know that it is NEVER okay to intentionally hurt someone. Realize that everyone deserves respect and that differences are a positive part of our world.

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What can you do?

You know the feeling. You see someone being bullied and you feel scared. Or mad. Or sad. Or helpless. You might wonder what you can do to help. Did you know you're not alone? A lot of kids
feel that way about bullying.

There are lots of things you can do to help. You could try reaching out as a friend to someone who has been bullied, or standing up for someone by defending them and telling the bully what they are doing is not ok. There are lots of options. Do what feels safe to you. Do what feels ok to you.

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You know the feeling. You see someone being bullied and you feel scared. Or mad. Or sad. Or helpless. You might wonder what you can do to help. Did you know you're not alone? A lot of kids feel that way about bullying. There are lots of things you can do to help.

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Newsela | For most women and girls, it's still a man's world

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Women and girls lack equal rights with men and boys in most of the world 20 years after a U.N. conference, studies say. There has been some progress though.

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Newsela - Boys and girls pick up harmful stereotypes very young, study says

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A study says boys will be boys and girls will be girls despite attempts at gender neutrality.

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Newsela | Children start believing gender stereotypes as young as 6, study shows

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Study says girls think men are smarter than women

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Newsela | Allowance gap: Parents pay boys twice as much as girls, study finds

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According to the analysis, boys averaged more allowance than girls because they were more often assigned chores considered more physically strenuous.

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Newsela | A goal for gender equity: U.S. Soccer equalizes pay in milestone with women, men

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After years of negotiations, the U.S. Soccer Federation has reached agreements to pay its men's and women's teams equally.

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Newsela | The Equal Rights Amendment That Almost Was

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Newsela | Girl fondly recalls her personal connection with icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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A girl who dressed as Ruth Bader Ginsburg heard from the jurist.

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Ruth Bader Ginsberg faced many challenges to become a lawyer. In 1956, she was one of only nine women at Harvard Law School (out of 500 students!). She and her female classmates were even banned from using one of the libraries on campus. But that didn't stop her from following her dream-which led her to become the first Jewish person and second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court -the highest court in the country.

Joan Ruth Bader was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15, 1933. Many girls in her school were also called Joan, so she decided to go by her middle name.

Ruth's parents did not go to college. But they knew that education was important and encouraged her to learn as much as she could. She studied government while on a scholarship at Cornell University, then enrolled at Harvard Law School two years after she married her husband, Martin "Marty" Ginsburg, in 1954. After he graduated, the family moved to New York City, and Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School, where she graduated in 1959.

At that time, many women did not work outside their homes, and some men believed that women weren't as capable as men to work for pay. So even though Ginsburg graduated from law school with top grades, she couldn't find a job as a lawyer. Instead, she became a professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. When students asked her to teach a class on how women were treated under the law, Ginsburg discovered some unfair practices-for instance, some working mothers weren't provided health insurance by their companies, even though their male coworkers were. This helped fuel her interest in fighting for women's equality.

While she was teaching at Rutgers, Ginsburg found out that she was being paid less than male professors. Then she found out that other women were being paid less, too! She and her female colleagues demanded equal pay from the university-and they got it.

Soon Ginsburg was fighting many cases in court to help people who were being treated unfairly because of their gender-for instance, she won a case to allow pregnant women and women with children to serve in the military. Then in 1972, she helped start the Women's Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union, an organization that argues for fair treatment of all U.S. citizens. Through this project, Ginsburg won five out of six gender equality cases in front of the Supreme Court.

Now people were thinking about Ginsburg whenever they thought about equal protection for women under the law. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals (the court that hears cases from lower courts when people don't agree with the decision). Then on August 10, 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ginsburg was one of nine Supreme Court justices, and many times she disagreed with their decisions. But she wrote very powerful statements whenever she disagreed, called a dissenting opinion, and soon she earned the nickname the "Great Dissenter."

Sometimes those statements led to Congress passing new laws. One time in 2007, the Supreme Court heard a case from a woman named Lily Ledbetter who discovered she was being paid less than her male co-workers. Most of the Supreme Court justices said she had waited too long to come to court, and Ledbetter lost her case. But because of Ginsburg's dissenting opinion, Congress passed a law two years later changing those time limits-and therefore giving women more protection.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court every day until her death on September 18, 2020. She was 87 years old. For days afterward, the Supreme Court grounds in Washington, D.C., were covered in flowers and messages from people all across the country, who remembered and respected how she always fought for equality and was never afraid to disagree with anyone.

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Ruth Bader Ginsberg faced many challenges to become a lawyer. In 1956, she was one of only nine women at Harvard Law School (out of 500 students!). She and her female classmates were even banned from using one of the libraries on campus.

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Newsela | Kids exposed to racism have higher risk of depression and sickness

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Newsela - “Speak up!” — “Sesame Street” tackles racism in TV special

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Sesame Street: What is Racism? | #ComingTogether

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Newsela | U.S. sees sharp rise in number of whites troubled by racism, polls show

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Newsela | Racism declared public health issue in 145 cities and counties across 27 states

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The American Public Health Association, which tracks declarations of racism as a public health issue, counts 145 across 27 states - up from seven in 2019.

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Newsela | Barbie (yes, the doll) posts a video about racism that goes viral, and for good reason

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Barbie, as in the animated Mattel doll, posts regular vlogs on YouTube for children. Her recent video about racism was also a hit with adults.

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Newsela | Coming wave of video games could build empathy on racism and environment

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"Our America," a VR project about racism faced by Black Americans, is among five recipients of $25,000 grants from 3D software maker Unity.

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Helping Kids Embrace Diversity

Dr. Roger Harrison offers parents advice on how to nurture empathy and embrace diversity from an early age.

Why Is it Important to Talk About Race and Racism?

When we teach kids early on that it's OK to talk about race, we help them to understand, respect, and appreciate the differences between people.

This builds empathy and compassion for others so that kids are better able to see when things in their world seem unjust or unfair - and can do something about it.

What's the Best Way to Talk About Race and Racism?

There's no "right" way to talk to your kids about race or racism. For each family, that conversation will be different, depending on your own race, nationality, and personal experience with racism.

Here are some ways to get the conversation started, and keep it going:

First, get the facts. By learning about the issues, you'll be better able to report them. Listen to a podcast, watch a show, or read up on the history of racism and civil rights so that you're prepared to talk and answer any questions.

Clarify your family's values. Use your words, your example, and your actions to show your children what you believe in. Values to focus on can include equal treatment for all, justice, standing up for those who are suffering, and respecting all people no matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, or other differences.

Speak in simple terms. Don't overwhelm kids with too much information. State the facts, simply and clearly. If you want to address something that's happened in the news, be honest about what happened, but don't give kids more info than they need.

Be age-appropriate. Topics of race and racism are big-picture issues, and this can be hard for younger kids to grasp. Here are suggestions for addressing it by age:

Preschoolers: Kids this age are learning about right and wrong, and have a keen sense of fairness (and they'll let you know about it!). So talk about what's fair and what's not. Give examples kids can relate to, such as: "What if someone made a rule that says everyone with [your child's hair or eye color] has to eat a different snack at snack time than the rest of the class? Does that seem fair?"

School-age kids: Use practical examples from everyday life to help school-age kids understand how they might feel if they're discriminated against or left out on purpose. Something like, "How would you feel if someone held on to all the swings during recess and didn't give any other kids a turn?" Or, "How would you feel if you saw a fifth-grader bullying a first-grader?" Then, connect these questions to real-life examples of groups of people who have been discriminated against. Asking questions like these helps to increase kids' empathy and spark their passion to stand up for others.

Preteens and teens: Older kids and teens are better prepared to tackle tougher topics. They can understand how someone might feel if they are a target of racism, but they may feel helpless to do anything about it. Brainstorming ways to help - such as speaking up for a friend who's bullied or excluded because of skin color, or writing letters to school principals or elected officials - can help kids feel empowered.

Ask questions - lots of them. Help your child process thoughts and feelings by asking questions like, "What do you think about what you saw on TV?", "What have you heard?" or "What are your friends talking about?" This helps you get a sense of your child's understanding so you can fill in any gaps with facts or emphasize the values that you hold in your family.

Create a safe place to share feelings. Tough conversations like these bring up strong emotions, like anger, sadness, confusion, and others. Kids who have been victims of racism, or have family members who have been, might have even stronger feelings or fears around these topics. Let your child know that their feelings are important and OK. It helps to share your own feelings in a healthy way. Say something like, "I feel sad right now and that's OK. I won't always feel this way." This helps kids put things into perspective.

Keep the conversation going. Talking to your kids about race and racism shouldn't be a one-time thing. Encourage your child to come to you with questions and continue to talk about it.

Race and Racism: What If I Don't Have an Answer?

It's OK not to have all the answers. If you don't know how to answer something, be honest and say so. Tell your child that you'll find out and share what you've learned.

Race and Racism: What Else Can We Do as a Family?

Parents can do many things to raise compassionate kids who want to help others. Here are some to do together as a family:

Befriend people who are different. Consider choosing a school, daycare, or club with kids from other areas and different backgrounds. This way, kids learn that they can find friends anywhere.

Learn about other cultures. Learn together about people from other places and cultures. Read books, watch movies, listen to music, and learn about celebrations that aren't part of your own traditions. Attend cultural fairs and museums that highlight stories, art, and the history of people who are different from you.

Speak up. When you see something that isn't fair, do something about it. Say something. Write a letter. Create art that supports a cause - or start one. And encourage your kids to do the same.

Talk often as a family and do things together to learn about and celebrate the differences between people. You'll help nurture your child's empathy for other people, and your own.

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Race and the harmful effects of racism are common topics of conversation for some families. Other parents, though, might talk about racism and discrimination with their kids rarely, or not at all.To help put an end to racism, everyone has to take an active role, no matter who they are.

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3 Ideas to Support Your Family's Anti-Racism Journey | Parenting Tips...

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Anti-racism is the practice of working to eliminate the unfair treatment of people based on the color of their skin. Here are small things to do to begin your family's anti-racism journey.

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Unfortunately, Americans are seeing all types of hate-racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia-enjoying a grotesque golden age. Parents worry that their children will be exposed from early childhood, warping their views about diversity and inclusion. But here's some hopeful news: You can counter hate's insidious reach before it's too late.

We asked experts in child psychology and the fight against bigotry for guidance. Here, they share how to put malevolent beliefs and events (like the recent attacks against Asian Americans) into context, dispel little ones' misapprehensions, and empower your kids to be forces for good.

In these early years, your task is to lay positive groundwork, addressing hate by cultivating its opposite-compassion and tolerance. Luckily, your child has a head start: an innocent indifference to what sets people apart. "Kids are very aware of ways we differ, but they aren't born identifying people with a particular race, gender, or ethnicity," says David Schonfeld, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California and Children's Hospital Los Angeles and director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. "They don't naturally discriminate."

The hope is that kids who grow up in communities that are ethnically, socioeconomically, or otherwise diverse will have acceptance baked into their worldview. That's not guaranteed, but studies show it does help. If your child has little exposure to people who don't look or live like them, though, experts advise bringing the world home: Study other cultures together by eating their foods and watching their films. Urge your child's teacher to build multiculturalism into their curriculum. Speak your mother tongue if you are bilingual, or encourage your child to study another language. A 2014 University of Chicago study revealed that children who hear multiple languages in daily life are more accepting of people whose language differs from their own-which is a stepping-stone toward a broader spirit of acceptance.

You don't need to preemptively lecture a kid this age on the evils of bigotry. ("I don't know that I'd sit down with a 3-year-old and say, 'Let's talk about racism,'" says Dr. Schonfeld.) But if the need for a conversation arises, have it. "In 2017 we were seeing a wave of bomb threats at Jewish community centers," says Jinnie Spiegler, director of curriculum and training at the Anti-Defamation League. "On the news you'd see very small kids evacuating from these facilities. Surely, they knew something was wrong and were afraid. So of course you'd want to talk about it with them."

This may seem impossible, but the key is keeping the scope and language manageable to encourage anti-racism in kids. "You'd say something like, 'The person doing this must be very angry,'" Dr. Schonfeld says. "'But we use our words to solve problems.'" However odd the conversation feels, silence is worse. "Imagine you're a 4-year-old and you notice Dad is looking at his phone, that he's upset and people seem worried, and no one is telling you why," says Spiegler. "Think how scary that would be."

Discussing hate explicitly becomes easier at this age, but don't think it has to be a super formal talk. "Families talk about these issues all the time without realizing it," says Allison Briscoe-Smith, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Berkeley, California, who specializes in addressing trauma in children and the study of how children understand race. "Little kids are very attuned to what's fair and not fair. That's a strong basis for discussing injustice."

Let your child be your guide. Kids this age can articulate their feelings, so the onus to direct the conversation needn't-and shouldn't-be entirely on you. "Ask her how she understands what she's hearing," says Dr. Briscoe- Smith. What are people saying on the playground? What have they seen on TV? You'll be able to keep the conversation at the right level-of reassurance, honesty, and detail.

Also key: Don't overdo it. "Be simple, brief, and as honest as you can be," says Spiegler. If you feel a reflexive urge to downplay-"What happened at the garlic festival could never happen here"-avoid it. An empty promise sounds a lot like dismissiveness, and if they have fears about these events, they'll feel you're not taking them seriously. Instead, says Dr. Briscoe- Smith, "tell her what you do know for sure: that you love her, and that there are adults working to keep her safe."

Kids can have a quirky, literal view of the world, and they may ask something seemingly bizarre but crucial to their understanding. "When I told my then 8-year-old daughter that Osama bin Laden had been killed, she asked me, 'Where's his body?'" says Spiegler. " It was an odd question, but you can't trivialize what they genuinely want to know."

You may also learn that your child has misunderstood part of what's occurred, perhaps anxiously inflating the event to outsize proportions. But for every worry like "We can't go to Walmart; people get shot there," there is a calming response. You could say, "I understand why you'd think that, but that was a particularly unusual event, and it's really unlikely to happen again."

Child psychologists say that helping kids process scary events has become a very different task in recent years. The ubiquity of technology gives kids unprecedented exposure to information they don't possess the maturity to make sense of. "The advice used to be: Turn off the TV; don't allow kids access to images of death," says Dr. Briscoe-Smith. "But by 9 or 10, they have phones. They'll see it there and on the dozens of other screens they encounter. So we have to help them understand what they see and hear."

Even with safety settings, upsetting news-and abhorrent views-will reach your child. Says Dr. Briscoe-Smith, "My kids tell me that students at their school tease Latino kids about ICE: 'You better run, ICE is gonna get you.' Research shows that in recent years there's been an uptick in racialized bullying. So I ask, 'What are people talking about at school, what's your phone saying?' "

This sort of inquiry is necessary, particularly if you have a child who isn't naturally forthcoming. "You can't count on your kids to bring up troubling things with you," says Spiegler. "You need to ask. Rumors spread like wildfire at school and online. So help them fill in the gaps. 'I'm not sure it happened that way in Minnesota,' you can say, before explaining how it did happen."

At this age, your child may also start to pick up on biased views among those they know and love. Grandma posts a homophobic meme; your neighbor goes off at the barbecue about the need for a border wall. Your child may rightly be confused: They care for this person, but their beliefs differ from their family's. Address these disparities. "Keep your language neutral," says Dr. Briscoe- Smith. "'We love Grandma, and we think differently from her. She's come to her conclusions, but we've come to different ones.'"

Tweens and Teens

As kids prepare to exit childhood, they cement their sense of identity, laying a foundation for who they will become. As we've seen in the news, this age can be a tipping point. Many kids, even most, will choose a life of acceptance, compassion, and respect for fellow human beings. Others will travel a darker path.

If you witness your child engaging in biased thinking or hate speech, whether online or in life-and yes, even kids of socially aware, justice-minded parents do so-speak up. "Adolescents are trying to develop their own values," says Dr. Briscoe-Smith. "You say, 'We're not on the same page on this-so what do you believe?'" Remember that teenagers often fail to see things in their full complexity. "Stereotypes are oversimplifications," says Spiegler. "If your child is buying into them, it's your job to help him complicate his thinking, to see nuances he's not appreciating." She has a few pointers: "It's a tightrope walk. You want to keep the conversation open but make it clear you don't condone bias or stereotypes: 'I don't think that way, and I don't think what you're saying is respectful.' Or: 'I used to think that way, but then I read X or learned Y.' Even if he doesn't seem to, he's hearing what you say."

Other kids may, when confronting these vexing issues, feel compelled to act. This is a powerful impulse, and parents should support it. "It doesn't have to mean starting a foundation," says Dr. Briscoe-Smith. "It can be, 'I'm going to do one kind thing today,' or even, 'I haven't been sleeping well because I'm upset, so I'm going to make sure I get some sleep.'" Taking action also offers a sense of control. "Activism gives you agency," says Spiegler. "It's scary to see terribleness in the world, and if you feel you're contributing and connecting with people who feel as you do, you're reassured."

None of this is easy, of course. You may stumble-after all, these issues are as complex as they are troubling. But in this as in all things, your best tool is your instincts. Says Spiegler, "Every parent, child, and situation is different. But we know our kids and what they can handle." It's okay to let your child see that you, too, are reacting to these scary times. "If we don't show that we're upset, our kids will feel abnormal for being upset," says Dr. Schonfeld. "We can't teach coping skills if we pretend we never need to cope."

These conversations may not be comfortable, but they will be necessary. As Dr. Schonfeld says, "We can't just teach our kids what's easy-we need to teach them what's important."

This article originally appeared in Parents magazine's December 2019 issue as "Help Kids Understand Hate."

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Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate

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In an era rife with division, bias incidents darken our news feeds and escalate our anxiety. We asked leading experts how parents can shield their children from-and shepherd them through-a world that seems hell-bent on hate.

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Here's a free printable I made to teach kids about racism.

Parents, teachers, educators, librarians, and basically everyone who works with children: You can download and print this for educational uses. No commercial use allowed. Download the high-res image here. To see my other free printable posters, click here and visit my "Free Printable Stuff" section. To see my books for kids, click here. To be notified when I post a new poster, follow me on Twitter, Facebook , or Instagram.

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Here's a free printable I made to teach kids about racism. Parents, teachers, educators, librarians, and basically everyone who works with children: You can download and print this for educational uses. No commercial use allowed. Download the high-res image here. To see my ...

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Whenever we see injustice, we all have a responsibility to confront it. Every day, no matter our background or our age, every single one of us has a role to play in taking on an unfair system while working to build a new one that truly works for all. Guiding our girls in learning to recognize and challenge structures and practices that fuel inequality and cause harm helps them play an active role in creating the positive change our society needs.

While we should be having conversations about race and racism regularly, checking in with your girl is crucial when racist violence claims lives and sparks widespread protest, grief, and unrest around the nation. Kids of all ages, backgrounds, and skin tones are feeling a range of emotions in response. They're sad, scared, angry, and confused.

What's the number-one thing that can help your girl process these feelings? Talking with an adult she trusts and loves-you-and then finding ways to take positive action.

It may be tempting to avoid the topic of race and racism altogether-especially for those who were taught it's something that isn't polite to discuss-but statistics show that justice, health, and education systems aren't fair in basic ways that can negatively affect a girl's life on a foundational level. Her family, education, safety, and well-being make these conversations a must for those who support a just and equal world for all girls.

Race-driven violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community has skyrocketed in the past year, especially in major cities. Young people under 17 were targets in 12 percent of these reported incidents, and women were more likely to be targeted than men according to Stop AAPI Hate.

Since the start of the pandemic, three in every ten Asian American Pacific Islanders have been faced with racist slurs or racist jokes, according to the Pew Research Center.

In every state, black girls are twice as likely to be suspended from school as white girls even though they don't misbehave more frequently, according to a 2019 study by the National Women's Law Center. These suspensions impact her educational attainment and career prospects.

Children raised in Black, Latinx, and Native American households are more likely to live in homes with higher unemployment and lower incomes than white children. These inequities increase their risk for health problems and make it more likely they will receive less, and lower quality, education, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Youth of color are more likely to be incarcerated than white youth, disrupting their education, impacting their health and emotional well-being, and limiting their options for the future.

Having honest discussions about race is important for all families, and it's vital to have them on a regular basis, even if you find it uncomfortable or you think your kids already know about racism and understand right from wrong. Yet while discussion is great, it's only one part of it. It's also important to look at how your girl's life is structured and lived every day. Who does she see in her neighborhood, at school, and in positions of power around her?

So, how do you begin?

Be straightforward, ask questions, and listen to her.
For starters, don't avoid the topic. Pressing mute can make your girl think that talking about race and racism is off-limits or that the status quo is acceptable, when real conversation on these topics is actually what she needs most and what will help you both be part of the solution.

In fact, "choosing" whether to talk to your kids about racism and its consequences is not a decision every family gets to make. It's often a necessary, even life-saving, conversation from the earliest ages, especially for black families and other families of color.

Trish Tchume, who works on racial justice issues across communities, remembers her mom initiating a conversation with her when she was just five or six years old about how, as a black girl, she would be treated differently than her white friends.

"She was telling me that when I was with my mostly white friends at the mall or out at the pool, they'd come up with ideas of ways to test boundaries that might be harmless for them, but that would not be harmless for me. She was telling me to think and be more careful because black kids-and adults, too-are treated differently than white kids when they talk back to authority figures or break the rules" like all kids do at some point.

"My mom wasn't trying to hurt my feelings, she was trying to keep me safe," she adds.

You don't need a big speech. Ask what she's seen and heard and listen to what she says. Let her know that whatever she's feeling is OK, including if she's scared, uncomfortable, or angry.

"You might think she'll feel more afraid if you admit you don't have all the answers, but in my experience with kids, and in fact all humans, people feel comforted and better supported when they're met with honesty and emotion," says Ms. Tchume.

Teach her to identify racism.
To make discussion about race and racism a part of "normal" conversation in your home, start when your kids are young. According to Dr. Erin N. Winkler, who studies talking with children about race, it's never too early to start.

Young children start to reflect the bias prevalent in their society. In the U.S. that often means a bias toward whiteness.

"If you look at the media they are consuming and what comes out of that-the princess or character they want to be for Halloween for example-you can see that it starts early," says Dr. Winkler.

So, what can you do? It's important to pay attention to what's in your home. Having toys, books, and shows you watch that feature diverse characters in a variety of roles can help balance a narrative from society that often only places white characters at the center.

Talking about who's left out and who's included, and how they're treated when they are included, is important. When you read a book or watch TV with your girl, are the characters diverse? If there are Black, Latinx, Native American, or Asian American Pacific Islander characters, how are they portrayed? Are they in a lead role? Do they reflect stereotypes or do they have dimension? Beyond characters in books and movies, when she's in school and learning about history, whose history is she learning about?

Whenever you're met with exclusion based on race, ask if she thinks that's fair, how it makes her feel, and how your family might work together to fight these everyday types of racism.

"Fairness is a really great way into this topic with kids. It's a concept they understand," says Dr. Winkler.

Teach her the value of diversity and inclusion, and to embrace our differences.
Saying "we're all the same" or "I don't see color" might be well-intentioned, but it perpetuates racism because it disregards part of people's identities. Plus, saying everyone is the same implies that everyone has the same experiences and is treated the same in our society-which statistics and the everyday discrimination faced by Black people and other people of color show isn't the case.

Instead, talk with your girl about how we can honor and celebrate our differences, and about how we all, with our unique backgrounds and experiences, bring beauty to the world in so many different ways.

"I'm proud and excited to be Black. Anything that causes another person to erase a part of who they are to fit in, to be seen, to be loved? That's not good or helpful," says Ms. Tchume.

Empower her to challenge racism when she sees it.
Racism isn't always violent or overt. It appears in many forms, and it is rooted in the false belief that the white experience is standard and that white people are superior to others.

Your community and what she sees every day in her world counts.

"It's not just what you say, it's also what you do and what she sees and the way everyday life is set up for her. What does she hear at school? Who does she see in your neighborhood? Kids take all of that in and learn by seeing what's around them. It influences how they see race," says Dr. Winkler.

Also, some parents approach racism as a "settled issue," when it's still very much an issue in the everyday lives of many families.

Racism didn't end with the Civil Rights Movement. Showing kids that people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, as well as everyday people who've taken action against injustice, had roles in making change can help them understand we all have a role to play and that they can help make things better, says Dr. Winkler. It empowers them. "Teaching them to look for the people in the community who are helping, and showing them that there are people out there committed to making change now is also a great way" to engage kids.

Learn and take action together.
Although families of different backgrounds come to these conversations from different places, one thing that can help many parents and caregivers is educating themselves to increase their understanding and comfort level, says Dr. Winkler. "If you can't explain systemic racism to other adults, it might be hard to explain it to young children in a way that feels right to you."

Ms. Tchume suggests being open and talking with your girl about the fact that you're learning at the same time she is. Seeing that grownups don't have all the answers either, and that you often have to do some work to find out the best ways to help, will show her that making meaningful change takes patience and dedication.

You can also talk with her about actions you're taking for positive change as an adult, including voting. Let her know about things she can do or that you can do together as a family. Writing letters to your elected representatives urging them to support anti-racist policies (and holding them accountable for their actions) and connecting with groups in your community that are working for equality are just a few of the many ways you and your girl can help build a just world for all.

Here are some additional resources to support you:

There are few topics more complex than race in the U.S. The resources and conversation starters above represent just that-a start. We're committed to continuing the conversation by bringing a range of voices to the table, listening to each other, educating ourselves, and recognizing that we all start from different places. We all have a role to play in bringing about the world we want to see for our girls. Join us in the effort. -The Raising Awesome Girls team

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Help Kids Take Action Against Racism | Girl Scouts

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Whenever we see injustice, we all have a responsibility to confront it. Every day, no matter our background or our age, every single one of us has a role to play in taking on an unfair system while working to build a new one that truly works for all.

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Art - no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it - is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation and enjoyment. Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief. In this article, we will take a closer look at art therapy and discuss its mental health benefits.

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy can be defined in many ways, but the simplest way to define it is an application of the visual arts in a therapeutic context. You don't necessarily have to see a therapist in order to experience some of the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. There are many simple activities you can try from the comfort of your home such as art journaling, sketching, making collages, sculpting with clay, etc. It doesn't matter what media you choose. The only thing that matters is that you feel comfortable using it.

However, working with a licensed therapist also has its advantages because a professional can tailor each activity to your own needs. If the activities are done in a group, they are excellent for building healthy connections with other people, which may be very helpful if you are fighting depression. The most important thing is that you should try art therapy only if you want it. Expressing yourself through art can be self-revealing and sometimes equally painful as talking. So, if you still don't feel ready to try it, that is okay.

Who Should Try Art Therapy?

Anyone who feels overwhelmed or pressured by the hectic world we live in should try art therapy. Creating art will give you a chance to slow down and explore any issues you may be having. Art therapy improves the mental health of people who are dealing with addictions, anxiety, attention disorders, grief and loss, dementia, depression, eating disorders, physical illness, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues and much more.

Since the focus is on the process and not the final product, art therapy is not about becoming a great artist but about finding meaning and connection in your life. All you need for it is a willingness to experiment.

Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy Activities

Art therapy can be used as a complement to traditional mental health treatment. The aim is to manage behaviors, process feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

Self-discovery: Creating art can help you acknowledge and recognize feelings that have been lurking in your subconscious.

Self-esteem: The process will give you a feeling of self-accomplishment which can be very valuable to improve your self-appreciation and confidence.

Emotional release: The greatest benefit of art therapy is giving you a healthy outlet for expressing and letting go all your feelings and fears. Complex emotions such as sadness or anger sometimes cannot be expressed with words. When you are unable to express yourself, but you desire emotional release, making art may help you to do it.

Stress relief: Fighting anxiety, depression or emotional trauma can be very stressful for you both mentally and physically. Creating art can be used to relieve stress and relax your mind and body.

It is very important to know that you don't have to be a talented artist in order to try art therapy. Human beings are innately creative, and all you need to do to complete an art therapy activity successfully is, to be honest with yourself and your emotions. Once you unleash your creativity, your inner artist will quickly wake up.

Studies also show that creating art stimulates the release of dopamine. This chemical is released when we do something pleasurable, and it basically makes us feel happier. Increased levels of this feel-good neurotransmitter can be very helpful if you are battling anxiety or depression.

Mental health professionals and experts agree that art therapy has many benefits, from boosting your self-esteem, and providing you a safe outlet to relieve your emotions, to giving you a sense of control over your life and helping you to get to know and understand yourself better. During the process of art creation, you will be taking yourself on a journey of self-discovery that will help you eliminate emotional roadblocks, and learn how to communicate with yourself and others.

Author Bio: Mary Ann Cohen is considered one of the nation's most successful and respected art dealers with over 35 years of International visual fine art experience. She actively encourages the use of art therapy in her galleries.

The opinions and views expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in this article or linked to herein.

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Creativity and Recovery: The Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy

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Art - no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it - is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation and enjoyment.

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Art therapy is a treatment approach that integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve well-being. Learn more about art therapy.

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EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES

On occasion, non-art therapist practitioners might be found to advertise their services as "art therapy." This is an inaccurate use of the term, as art therapy can only be practiced by an individual who possesses the required training, certification, and/or state licensure. Bona fide art therapy is beyond the scope of practice of non-art therapists.
IN WORKSHOPS
Another context in which art therapy may be inaccurately categorized includes professional trainings that furnish a certificate upon completion, which may mislead the participant to believe that he or she can practice art therapy. These sorts of trainings, workshops, and the like, give attendees the erroneous impression that art therapy is a modality rather than a profession.

To prevent this problem, facilitators are advised to adhere to the AATA's Ethical Principles: "When providing training and/or supervision to non-art therapists, art therapists take precautions to ensure that trainees understand the nature, objectives, expectations, limitations, and resulting qualifications of the supervision and/or training as distinct from formal studies in art therapy" (8.6). As such, a disclaimer should be used to alert attendees accordingly.

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Facilitated by a professional art therapist, art therapy effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns.

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Art therapy can be used to help heal mental illnesses. Learn more about the benefits of this type of therapy, how it is used, and what to expect.

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Art therapy activities for teenagers include more than just drawing and painting

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos." -Stephen Sondheim

You love working with kids and teens, but sometimes, getting them to open up can be, shall we say, difficult. Over time, you've found that incorporating hands-on treatment methods into your therapy sessions makes teens feel more comfortable. However, they only want to do so much painting and drawing before they're bored. Boost your arsenal of art therapy activities for teenagers in your practice, by adding more art, music, and crafting into your sessions.

10 art therapy activities for teens in your practice
1. Collage
Don't ever toss another waiting room magazine again. Save them to use for collaging with your teen clients. Collage art can take many forms. Some will include motivational words and positive quotes. Others can be visual representations of how they feel in the present, or how they'd like to feel in the future. They can even be simple cutouts of pictures they enjoy that help to make them feel better. For even more options, save newspapers, advertisements, or any other paper products you'd recycle.
2. Deface the face
Teens are known for their artistic doodling on places they shouldn't be defacing, such as their desks in school or the faces of the figures in their history books. Embrace their interest in altering art during counseling. Provide your teen attendees with a full-page sheet of a person's face and give them pens, markers, crayons to create an updated look. Take the "artwork" a step further by asking your client to describe why they made the choices they did. Did they make a happy-looking person look angry? Why?
3. Designing dream catchers
Are your clients experiencing sleep disturbances? If so, let them create a dream catcher to place above their bed. Explain the meaning behind dream catchers, and let the teenager design it with any trinkets or materials, such as feathers or charms, that are important to them.
4. Interpretations
Show your teen client pictures of people interacting or on their own. Make sure these images are expressive of many different emotions. Ask your client to describe what's happening in the picture, or if the person in the photo is alone, what he or she may be thinking or feeling. How the teen interprets the photos may give you insight into their way of thinking.
5. Journaling
Getting thoughts onto paper will help your teenage client process their feelings. While some may take to drawing or collaging, others may need words to express their ideas. There are many different ways to journal. They can list items they're grateful for, observations on the changes in their feelings, or ways to practice self-care. If your teenage clients take to journaling, suggest they try their hand at poetry or writing creative nonfiction.
6. Mask making
Your clients can't see their own faces, but creating a mask gives them a chance to see the "face" for themselves. Have the teen make two masks. The first should show how they feel they present themselves to the world. The second should be how they actually feel inside. Spend a session talking about the differences between the two.
7. Photograph it
According to the PewResearchCenter, 73% of teens have access to a smartphone. Take advantage of that by asking them to photograph their environment. What's important to them? What images make them feel safe, anxious, happy, or alone? Talk about the pictures and why they evoke the feelings they do. If your client enjoys photography, consider giving them a few words‚-such as "home," "mentor," or "calm"-each week at the end of the session, so they can come prepared with pictures that represent those words for the following week.
8. Be the D.J.
Music plays a significant role in art therapy. Invite your clients to come prepared to a session with a soundtrack of songs that are important to them. What's more important to them, the lyrics or the sounds? If music is helpful, create a theme for each week, such as stress-reducing songs or music to meditate to, and ask your clients to share their playlists.
9. Puppet play
If you need your teen clients to open up, but they're mostly tight-lipped, make puppets together. All you need are a few paper bags and some crafting items (think puffy paint, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and more). This technique works especially well in the group setting, as the teens will compete against each other to make the best-looking puppet. If necessary, your clients can use the puppets to talk for them.
10. Sculpting
There are many materials teens can use to build their sculptures, such as clay, tin foil, pipe cleaners-really, just about anything works! By sculpting, your clients are creating something that didn't exist a moment before. They have the power to wield ordinary objects into whatever their imagination allows. To challenge them even more, require they use just one material at a time.

With these ten art therapy activities for teenagers, you're going to have your hands full (and maybe even covered in sparkles or paint!). So, take some of the stress off yourself and invest in a practice management system that can help you run your business while you're in session. SimplePractice can help your billing, claim filing, and more. Try us free for 30 days.

Do you have some art therapy activities for teenagers or adults you can add to the list? Share your tips in the comments.

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10 Art Therapy Activities for Teenagers That Relieve Stress, Boost Self-Esteem and Improve Communication - SimplePractice Blog

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"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos." -Stephen Sondheim You love working with kids and teens, but sometimes, getting them to open up can be, shall we say, difficult. Over time, you've found that incorporating hands-on treatment methods into your therapy sessions makes teens feel more comfortable.

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Newsela | Buyers charged about Tesla's new electric car, chance of saving climate

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There are many advantages to driving electric cars and vans. From environmental benefits to discounts on the congestion charges to improved driving experience

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An abundance of healthy selections. Clearly marked nutrition labeling. The ability to pre-order. Fresh produce and meat.

The 364,040 people in Connecticut who face hunger -one in every 10 residents- are increasingly likely to find these and other grocery store-like features at their local food pantries.

Throughout the state, more appealing ways to address food insecurity-a plight characterized by insufficient access to nutritious food on a regular basis-are replacing the former stereotypical food pantries housed in dark, closet-sized spaces in out-of-the-way places frequently lined with cans of otherwise unwanted food and opened irregularly depending on the availability of volunteers.

"We're trying to put some humanity behind the numbers and to recognize that every one of those numbers is an individual and is having a tough time," said Katie Martin, former executive director for Foodshare Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions, a resource for food banks and community partners.

For many Connecticut residents, facing the pandemic without steady employment or the availability of free or reduced school meals meant crossing the threshold into food insecurity. Compared to 2018, 2020 food insecurity levels were elevated in every county in Connecticut-from 12.8% of the population in Tolland to 16.2% in New Haven to 17% in New London, according to a report by the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research. But even during the darkest days of the pandemic, new and more effective ways of responding to food insecurity were taking hold across the state.
Innovations
"During COVID, working-class residents were one or two checks away from becoming food insecure," said Julieth Callejas, interim executive director of End Hunger Connecticut! (EHC!), a statewide organization. Callejas says she and her professional peers discovered that food pantries weren't being utilized as efficiently as they could be. So EHC! stepped up, working harder and smarter to meet the growing demand in various ways.

During spring 2021, in conjunction with local food pantries, EHC! launched the Full Shelf Initiative, establishing a buying group to secure pricing contracts for the estimated 30% of food needs not covered by the existing food bank or donation process. "It's food pantries helping pantries by networking and buying in bulk for reduced prices," Callejas said. "There are about 800 pantries across Connecticut. We've connected to over 200 of them."

In June, with funding from the American Rescue Plan, EHC! entered into a new partnership with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture that expanded its CT Fresh Match program, which allows Connecticut farmers market outlets to double customer purchases made via Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As of June, 28 Connecticut farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile markets were participating in CT Fresh Match, many within reach of residents who need help most. In Bridgeport, for instance, seven farmers markets that are part of the community's Farmers Market Collaborative are in neighborhoods deemed "nutritionally insecure."

Increasingly, meeting residents where they are is a concept that extends beyond neighborhoods.
Meeting people where they are
In May, Hartford Hospital held a ribbon-cutting for its Food as Medicine center. Intended to look like a grocery store, the center offers patients access to healthy food items, free of charge, prescribed by their care providers.

Dr. Jessica Hsieh Mullins, director of gynecology at Hartford Hospital, said that in November 2019, the hospital began screening prenatal patients for food insecurity. Initially, about 25% were determined to be food insecure.

"As the pandemic progressed, the percentages increased," Mullins said. "Now we're at 50 percent."

Mullins says food insecurity correlates with inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy, a risk factor for gestational diabetes and other complications that can adversely affect maternal health outcomes.

TEEG uses a client-centered approach at their food pantry called SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries) to address food insecurity. They categorize food on shelves according to its nutritional value to help clients make healthy choices. The most healthy choices are on the top shelf.

As part of a pilot program involving 20 patients, participants who screen as food insecure have weekly access to the hospital-based food pantry and 1-on-1 counseling with an onsite nutritionist. The department saw a 50% reduction in inappropriate weight gain among participants who received nutritional counseling, and that was before the availability of the onsite food pantry that offers healthy food choices.

"It's really encouraging," said Mullins, who adds that they hope to eventually offer this service to all patients who qualify for it.
A dignified approach
This client-centered approach to addressing food insecurity is gaining considerable traction throughout the state. Martin said that Connecticut Foodshare surveyed state residents last year. "A lot of people say they don't want to rely on others for help. They would feel embarrassed to ask," she said. Foodshare workers use this information as they develop ways to make the process more dignified and share these strategies with their network, which includes multiple partner sites throughout Greater Hartford.

Promoting client choice is at the heart of this strategy. Rather than prebagged food, an increasing number of food pantries are offering options on shelves that resemble those in a grocery store, said Martin, who launched a new consulting organization, More than Food Consulting, LLC in August.

How the shelves are organized is critical. Using a research-based tactic called SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries), food is ranked nutritionally based on saturated fat, sodium and sugar and is readily marked with red, yellow and green labels. Martin said that grading food on its health value is just part of the process. "We're also putting more energy into asking people for their cultural food preferences," she said.

All these efforts are making the process more "transformational rather than transactional," Martin said. She points to TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group, Inc.), a nonprofit social service agency in North Grosvenordale, as having embraced this model.

The nonprofit offers services for families in need, including a diaper bank and fuel and energy assistance. TEEG Executive Director Anne Miller says staff members look for opportunities to support clients in as many ways as possible. "When the community market is open, we have a case manager greeting people, signing them in," she said. "They might say, 'I know you have three children; would you be interested in our youth programs?'"

The three TEEG-operated community markets that Miller references used to be called food pantries. She says the newer versions, which apply the SWAP method of categorizing food, consistently offer frozen meat, fresh produce, milk and other dairy products. TEEG also makes home deliveries to clients who can't get to the market.

Miller sees the food program as a way to reduce food insecurity and establish a trusting connection with community members who could benefit from assistance in other ways. "We are the conduit, the pipeline," Miller said. "It used to be neighbor to neighbor. We don't know our neighbors anymore."
This story was originally published Aug. 15, 2022, by the Connecticut Health Investigative Team.

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Rise in food insecurity drives innovative strategies

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An abundance of healthy selections. Clearly marked nutrition labeling. The ability to pre-order. Fresh produce and meat. The 364,040 people in Connecticut who face hunger -one in every 10 residents- are increasingly likely to find these and other grocery store-like features at their local food pantries.

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Counties with the highest rate of food insecurity in Connecticut

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Stacker compiled a list of the counties with highest rate of food insecurity Connecticut using data from Feeding America.

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According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 490,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 131,000 children are food insecure. These are people from all walks of life - children, working parents, seniors, or people living with disabilities. They are your neighbors.

We work through a network of community-based programs, such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters to provide nutritious food to people in need, but we know we need to do more.

Last year, Connecticut Food Bank | Foodshare distributed enough food to prepare nearly 47 million meals to people in need in Connecticut.

What can you do? Every little bit helps. Five cans of food, $5, or five hours of your time can make a difference in the life of someone who doesn't have enough to eat every day.

Even in a state as wealthy as Connecticut, there is need for food assistance in every community. Sometimes the difference between a family that uses a food program and one that doesn't is the sudden loss of a job, an illness or unexpected rise in health care or utilities expenses.

The Feeding America Hunger In America 2014 study surveyed food pantry and soup kitchen clients in our six-county service area and revealed that in the previous 12 months:

73% had to choose between food or utilities

63% had to choose between food or rent

68% had to choose between food or medical care

Learn more about the Map the Meal Gap study that provides a detailed look at the food budget needed by families in Connecticut who struggle with hunger.

Below is a map that illustrates overall food insecurity and other community data in Connecticut by town. The darker the shading, the higher the food insecurity rate in that community. Click on the city or town for which you want to review data. This data is provided by Feeding America from its Map the Meal Gap study and reflects data for 2019.

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Hunger in Connecticut | Connecticut Foodshare

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According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 490,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 131,000 children are food insecure. These are people from all walks of life - children, working parents, seniors, or people living with disabilities. They are your neighbors.

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Connecticut Food Bank and Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, released the 2018 Map the Meal Gap study, which offers a detailed look at the food budget required to meet the needs of families struggling with hunger here in Connecticut.

According to the study, 11.9 percent, or 426,620 Connecticut residents are food insecure.

Click here to view the Map the Meal Gap data in an interactive map format. Data includes:

The percentage of the overall population that is food insecure.

Child food insecurity data by state and county.

The percentage of the food insecure population who qualify based on income for SNAP (Food Stamps) and other federal nutrition programs.

The percentage of the food insecure population who do NOT qualify for federal nutrition programs and often must rely on charitable food assistance programs and who also need better wages and employment opportunities to help them meet their basic needs.

The average price per meal based on new research by The Nielsen Company.

Click below to access data for areas served by the Connecticut Food Bank
All counties served by the Connecticut Food Bank:

Fairfield County:

Litchfield County:

Middlesex County:

New Haven County:

New London County:

Windham County:

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Connecticut Food Bank and Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, released the 2018 Map the Meal Gap study, which offers a detailed look at the food budget required to meet the needs of families struggling with hunger here in Connecticut. According to the study, 11.9 percent, or 426,620 Connecticut residents are food insecure.

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3. What are the different types of education?
Education is typically divided into three categories: formal education, informal education, and non-formal education.

Formal education is the type that is typically conducted in a classroom setting in an academic institution. This is where students are taught basic skills such as reading and writing, as well as more advanced academic lessons.
Also known as 'formal learning', it usually begins in elementary school and culminates in post-secondary education. It is provided by qualified teachers or professors and follows a curriculum.

Informal education
Informal education, on the other hand, is the type that is done outside the premises of an academic institution. Often, this is when a person learns skills or acquires knowledge from home, when visiting libraries, or browsing educational websites through a device. Learning from the elders in one's community can also be an important form of informal education.

Such education is often not planned or deliberate, nor does it follow a regimented timetable or a specific curriculum. It is spontaneous and may also be described as a natural form of education.

Non-formal education
Non-formal education has qualities similar to both formal and informal education. It follows a timetable and is systemically implemented but not necessarily conducted within a school system. It is flexible in terms of time and curriculum and normally does not have an age limit.

The most common examples of non-formal education include community-based courses, vocational training or short programs that are not facilitated by professional instructors.

A female student in Lebanon learns carpentry, a skill often associated with men. Education of all kinds empower girls and women in their communities. Photo: Maria Bou Chaaya

4. What are the benefits of education?
If all students in low-income countries acquired basic reading skills before leaving school, entire societies could change dramatically. According to UNESCO, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty. But education isn't just about living above the poverty line. It's about quality of life, choices at work, and many other benefits, as listed below.

Developing problem-solving skills
The schooling system teaches a person how to make their own decisions by developing critical and logical thinking skills. This prepares children for adulthood when both big and small decisions become a constant part of their daily lives.

For example: coming up with solutions to challenges in the community or planning how to provide for a family.

Self-reliance and empowerment
Knowing how to read, write and do arithmetic is empowering. When a person can read, they can access endless learning and information. When they can calculate expenses and make a budget, they can start a small business. Paired with the ability to form opinions, literacy makes a person become more self-reliant, and gives them confidence.

Promoting equality among individuals
In an ideal world, there is no room for discrimination due to race, gender, religion, social class, or level of literacy. This is where the value of education comes to play. Through education, one can develop strong, well-considered opinions - and learn to respect the views of others. Many experts agree that education is a significant contributor to peace in societies.

Stability and financial security
A person's income is often linked to his or her educational attainment. Around the world, there are more employment opportunities for those who complete high school, earn a degree, diploma or certificate, or go on to post-graduate studies. These can also mean higher salaries.

Economic growth (as a nation)
An educated population is important in building a nation's economy. According to studies, countries with the highest literacy rates are more likely to make progress in human and economic development. National economic growth begins with individual economic growth, which is often linked back to education.

In Canada, 70 per cent of jobs have a college-level reading skill requirement. A separate report also found that individuals with lower literacy skills are more likely to be unemployed.

Giving back to the community
Once children are educated, they have more ways to make a difference in their communities. Many of the children we serve at World Vision have dreams of making a difference as teachers, doctors, or as part of the government.

Elementary students from Papua New Guinea now have toy kits for recreation time at school. Play helps children solve problems, develop creativity and work as a team. Photo: Nelson Kairi Kurukuru

5. What does World Vision do to make education more accessible for girls and boys?
One of World Vision's objectives is to make education accessible for girls and boys around the world. We see it as an effective tool to promote sustainable growth for children, their families and the communities that we support.

In 2020, donors sponsored 377,888 children across 44 countries through World Vision Canada alone. Many of these children are now benefitting from formal education. At least 12,270 children attend after-school literacy activities, while 51,585 adults were educated on child protection.

World Vision has several programs which make education of children and youth a priority. These include Child Sponsorship, the Raw Hope initiative and the World Vision Gift Catalogue. Through these projects, anyone interested in helping fund the education of vulnerable children can participate.

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Why is education important and how does it affect one's future?

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3. What are the different types of education? Education is typically divided into three categories: formal education, informal education, and non-formal education. Formal education is the type that is typically conducted in a classroom setting in an academic institution. This is where students are taught basic skills such as reading and writing, as well as more advanced academic lessons.

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Most of us have grown up being taught the importance of education. But why is education important? Through your frustrating school years, you may have thought that it was a waste of time, or was just something that you needed to do in order to get a job. Truth be told, however, education goes so much beyond just getting a job and making your parents happy. In fact, it's one of the most powerful tools out there.

What Is Education?

Education means studying in order to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of a variety of subjects to be applied to daily life. Education is not limited to just knowledge from books, but can also be obtained through practical experiences outside of the classroom.

Top 10 Reasons: Why Is Education Important?

There are many different understandings and definitions of what education is, but one thing can be universally agreed upon, which is the importance of education - and here's why.

1. Provides Stability

Education provides stability in life, and it's something that no one can ever take away from you. By being well-educated and holding a college degree, you increase your chances for better career opportunities and open up new doors for yourself.

2. Provides Financial Security

On top of stability, education also provides financial security, especially in today's society. A good education tends to lead to a higher paying job, as well as provide you with the skills needed to get there.
Educated and well-informed individuals also know how to use money-saving tactics. They are more likely to use coupon websites like while shopping online to save their hard-earned money.

3. Needed For Equality

In order for the entire world to really become equal, it needs to start with education. If everyone was provided with the same opportunities to education, then there would be less gaps between social classes. Everyone would be able to have an equal chance at higher paying jobs - not just those that are already well-off.

4. Allows For Self-Dependency

The importance of education is evident when it comes to being self-dependent. If we are we educated, then it's something that belongs to us, and only us, allowing us to rely on no one else other than ourselves. It can allow you to not only be financially independent, but also to make your own choices.

5. Make Your Dreams Come True

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. An education is the most powerful weapon you can possibly have, and with it, you can make all of your dreams come true. There are of course certain exceptions, depending on what you're aiming for, but generally an education will take you as far as you're willing to go.

6. A Safer World

Education is something that's not only needed on a personal level, but also on a global level, as it's something that keeps our world safe and makes it a more peaceful place. Education tends to teach people the difference between right and wrong, and can help people stay out of risky situations.

7. Confidence

Being self-confident is a major part of being successful in life. And what better way to gain that confidence than with an education? Your level of education is often considered a way to prove your knowledge, and it can give you the confidence to express your opinions and speak your mind.

8. A Part Of Society

In today's society, having an education is considered a vital part of being accepted by those around you. Having an education is believed to make you a useful part of society, and can make you feel like a contributing member as well.

9. Economic Growth On A National Level

An educated society is crucial for economic growth. We need people to continue to learn and research in order to constantly stay innovative. Countries with higher literacy rates also tend to be in better economic situations. With a more educated population, more employment opportunities are opened.

10. Can Protect You

Education can protect you more than you know, not only on a financial level, but it can help prevent you from being taken advantage of by knowing how to read and write, such as knowing not to sign any bogus documents.

Education Is Important For Children

Children are the future of our world, making education crucial for them. Their knowledge is what's going to keep our world alive and flourishing.

At Childhood

During the childhood development stages, the importance of education is stronger than ever. It's a time for children to learn social and mental skills that will be crucial for their growth and success in the future. Education at childhood also offers a chance for self-discovery and to learn about their unique interests.

The Role

The importance of education in our lives goes far beyond what we can read in a textbook. Education also provides childhood with knowledge such as how to produce artwork and make music. Education allows us to analyze what's in front of us, and even learn from our mistakes.

Goal Building

By learning from a young age, children are given the chance to start building goals for themselves. Education means having the logic to set your mind to something and achieve it.

Importance Of Education In Society

For a modern society, education is of utmost importance. There are so many influences coming from all directions, and education can help us decipher what we should take as true, and what we should take with a grain of salt. Education can mold people into functional members of society with the right kinds of values.

Productivity

Education is needed for a productive society. Our population only continues to increase, and in turn, so do our needs. We need a strong and efficient workforce of educated people to provide us with the services we need for everyday life.

Why Is Education Important For a Nation?

The importance of education is seen in every aspect of life, and is especially crucial for the growth of a nation.

The Impact Education Has On The World

With education, people can become better citizens, knowing right from wrong, allowing for a better society where laws are followed. An educated nation knows about the importance of voting, doing so with the knowledge not blindly, but also having an understanding of what their party truly stands for. Education can also help people get jobs, which is what a nation thrives on.

Inspiring Quotes On What Education Truly Is

Why is education important, and what is it exactly? While every person has a different understanding of its true meaning, here are some of the most inspiring quotes by some legendary people.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey

What Are Some Other Reasons Why Education Is Important?

There are endless reasons why education is so important, especially since it also has endless connotations and meanings.

Mind And Body

Our mind and bodies are connected more than we know. With a powerful, well-educated mind, so too are our bodies.

Health

We can not only know how to best take care of ourselves, but we can feel confident and good about ourselves, which will likely have a positive effect on our physical well-being. Education has even been proven to add years to our life. To be exact, each additional year of education was found to add as much as 1.7 years to our lives at the age of 35.

Personal Growth

The importance of education even extends itself to our personal growth. By constantly educating ourselves, asking questions and wanting to know more, we can move forward and achieve things we never imagined before.

Get To Know Yourself

Education can allow us to get to know ourselves better than ever. We can learn things about ourselves, whether it be through books, courses, or even consulting with a professional.

Worldwide Value

Education is the best way to ensure a positive world value and view. Without a proper education, how else do we know what's considered appropriate and how to behave?

Peace

While world peace may unfortunately seem like a far-fetched concept, with education we can get closer to this goal than we know. Education can teach us about our place in this world, and about our responsibility to humanity.

Teaches Values

Values are taught through education! Education exists far beyond the classroom or an exam. It's taught at home, through what our parents and peers show us, and although not necessarily written down somewhere, such a teaching method is still a large aspect of what education entails.

Sharpens Your Thinking

Education is needed to think sharply and clearly!

Makes You Informed

Education makes you informed about the world around you, what's going on and what kind of people are around you. Education can help you be more self-aware about your strengths and weaknesses, showing you were to shift your focus.

Logical Reasoning

When in an argument, if you aren't well educated and don't have your facts straight, then you aren't likely to win. If you get upset about something, then being educated can also help you logically work through the situation and make sense of it, understanding all aspects.

Stay Focused

Education can help you stay focused and on track in the right direction by knowing what the right path is for you.

Allows For Innovation And Creativity

When it comes to being creative, in any way, shape, or form, the mind can only really reach its full potential if it's been fed with the knowledge it needs to think outside the box.

Develop Life Skills

Education is the foundation of basic life skills and street smarts. While education might sound like a fancy technical term, it's really everything we learn in life about how to best conduct ourselves from day to day.

Freedom

Education can be the most freeing and empowering thing in the entire world!

Live Life To The Fullest

Truly living life to the fullest means being well-educated and holding a vast amount of knowledge about the world around us. It also means we continue to learn every day in all kinds of forms, whether it be from the people around us, newspapers, experiences, research, or traditional classes.

Breaks Barriers

Education breaks barriers between people, and allows people from across the globe to be empowered.

University of the People, a tuition-free, online university, is one powerful example of how education is being revolutionized - they offer students of all socio-economic backgrounds an equal chance at education.

Once upon a time, such a thing wouldn't have been possible, but today such places like UoPeople have proven that these barriers truly can be broken through to receive higher education.

You Become Your Highest You

Education can allow you to become the best, fullest version of yourself, learning about what interests you, what you're good at, becoming self-aware and conscious about the world around you. It can help you establish your place in this world, and feel complete.

Education In The Modern World

Education today is more important than ever before, and has reached new heights with new understandings of what it truly entails. Ask yourself "Why is education important?" and it will surely not be the same as anyone else's answer.

While in modern society, holding a college degree is considered to be highly beneficial for a successful career and to be socially accepted, it is not the only means of education. Education is all around us in everything that we do, so use it wisely!

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Why Is Education Important: All The Reasons To Stay In School

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Most of us have grown up being taught the importance of education. But why is education important? Through your frustrating school years, you may have thought that it was a waste of time, or was just something that you needed to do in order to get a job.

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However, children often question the importance of education in life, wondering what could possibly be the use of all that information in life. What they fail to comprehend is that learning and self-advancement do not stop at that biology lesson. On the contrary, it is just a piece of the great puzzle of education, with all its benefits. A large portion of the knowledge and skills acquired at school are essential for a successful life and the realization of all personal goals.

Why is education important?

There are countless benefits that are brought about by education, primarily regarding the quality of an individual's life and the ease of fulfillment of personal ambitions. To reach that level, one needs to invest a lot of effort, which will pay off quite handsomely. Let us take a look at some of the important effects that education brings to everyone who decides upon educating and advancing themselves:

Educated person has a better understanding of society

Proper education improves people's understanding of the world around them, making them less susceptible to the influence of others. Proper interpretation of information requires education, as it improves knowledge. An educated person better understands their own and others' purpose in society, and their rights. This leads to a better understanding of people, fewer conflicts and more tolerance for differences.

Educated persons are harder to manipulate, which is conducive to the development of a more responsible society with fewer conflicts. All this creates an environment where social justice can thrive, which entails:

Equal rights

Equal opportunity

Equal treatment

Education in society helps people to be more active in their struggle for a better quality of life. As the citizens' understanding of the world around them grows, the entire society strives towards more efficient solutions to problems and the advancement of everyday life. This is an important mission for the whole of humankind, and it is crucial that each individual should have opportunities for personal advancement and making their own contribution.

Studying hard leads to a more successful career

When it comes to career growth, things are quite clear - more knowledge guarantees a good job. People educated for positions that require a high level of expertise are in high demand at the job market. Experts in their areas are highly valued as they bring specific knowledge, which not many people possess. In such conditions, people advance their social status more quickly, contribute a lot to society, and make more money.

Investing into knowledge should start at an early age, so that after graduation, the student could have a rich experience of learning, and overcoming all obstacles on the road to success. It is very important, as educated persons are well prepared for all work and life challenges of the 21st century. Of course, this does not guarantee that finding work will be quite easy - the investment into a person's knowledge and skills ought to be continual. In this sense, education can encompass a lifelong engagement through courses, seminars and other forms of personal advancement.

Knowledge also erases differences between people, rendering someone's background and financial circumstances less relevant. Knowledge is the most important resource, recognized worldwide, allowing each individual an opportunity to succeed.

Education improves self-confidence

An educated person knows the world; can interpret cultural phenomena and society in general competently. A high level of understanding means a higher confidence in everyday work and communication with other people. When one is sure of oneself, it is easier to make the right decisions and open many doors.

Self-confidence is what lets a talented expert leave their comfort zone and, for instance, quit a well-paid job in order to focus on their life's work. Although this kind of decision might seem strange for some people, the expert's surety of their own abilities will drive them towards the goal. Moments like this change not only an individual life, but society itself. Where would we be if Thomas Edison had been unsure of his knowledge?

Self-confidence that stems from knowledge allows people to express their opinions, as it enables them to explain them, and if needed, empowers them to defend them. Even if the environment should prove unreceptive, a self-confident person will not let a momentary judgment from the environment affect their resolution, because such a person knows how to show everyone who was right all along. Achieving this level requires a lot of knowledge, communication skills and experience in dealing with other people.

Schooling helps develop critical thinking

Education helps with perceiving life's various phenomena and forming an opinion about them. Accumulated knowledge thus leads to the development of critical thinking. This means that things are not taken "for granted", and the decisions are made in accordance with the decision-maker's knowledge. These behavioral patterns are learned at all better schools, to ensure that the students grow into wise people who think for themselves.

Critical thinking does not end with the interpretation of external information - it extends to the proper approach to problem solving. A student learns how to find the best solution for a problem. In education, teachers will always encourage children to verify information and try to find the best possible solution. To succeed at this, one requires certain knowledge, as well as experience in resolving challenges. This approach leads to best possible solutions - sometimes even revolutionary ones.

Learning is conducive to a richer life

The contribution of education in life is obvious when we consider its direct impact on the quality of life. This does not encompass only career success, hard work and economic status, but also the ways one spends their free time. Educated people possess a number of skills that let them enjoy life to the fullest. This includes activities where the crucial factor is not money, but a combination of desire, knowledge and ambition. Perhaps someone wants to learn to play the guitar, paint or dance? It is all possible with education and a little bit of effort.

Even the most ordinary things are more interesting with a good education. Watching a TV show or a movie is much more interesting if the viewer has background knowledge about the period, the novel the work is based on, or the director's specific style. All this also enriches the communication with family, friends, and others.

One should also bear in mind that the role of education is also to facilitate the understanding of life situations. An educated person will take better care of their health, aware of the risks. Taking care of oneself leads to a healthy lifestyle, which guarantees a better quality of life and extended longevity.

Education - lifelong companion of every successful person

There is no better investment than an investment in knowledge. Modern society is aware of this; this is why education and the proper schooling of children is among today's top priorities. From an early age, children are preparing to become full-fledged members of society. The quality of education is one of the main reasons why the United States is still the country that provides the richest possibilities for personal development.

The best chance of success is reserved for those who are never satisfied with their current knowledge; those who always strive to advance their skills and become even better and more successful. This is why lifelong education is important as a means of investing into oneself. Any successful person can confirm that this is true and that they are dedicated to acquiring new knowledge. This is the key role played by education in society - empowering anyone who is trying to be a better human being.

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Importance of education in life| Allison Academy

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However, children often question the importance of education in life, wondering what could possibly be the use of all that information in life. What they fail to comprehend is that learning and self-advancement do not stop at that biology lesson. On the contrary, it is just a piece of the great puzzle of education, with all its benefits.

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The Importance Of Education - What's The Real Purpose Of Education?

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What Is The Importance Of Education In Our Life?

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Exercise = Brainpower? | #Stayhome | Operation Ouch | Learn #Withme | Science for Kids

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How playing sports benefits your body ... and your brain - Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh

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How To Prevent Gender Inequality | 7 Ways to Promote Equality in the Classroom - World Class Teachers

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7 Ways to Promote Gender Equality in The Classroom | Our Top Tips to Help Promote Gender Equality 1. Avoid separating male and female students Not only does separating students within the classroom inhibit male and female students learning to socialise with each other, but it does not allow for non-binary student to feel comfortable [...]

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Did you know female enrollment in higher education has tripled globally between 1995 and 2018?

While this is promising news, equal access to education has not led to an equal outcome in leadership and academic positions. This includes a major under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Unfortunately, this does not come as a surprise given the alarming pay disparity between men and women. In fact, U.S. women in full-time positions are paid as little as 80 cents to every dollar earned by their male counterparts.

Despite the surmounting interest in gender equality in education, little attention has been given to the high school and college students as a potential point for intervention.

According to a 2020 Australian report, gender inequalities begin in high school and turn bright, young girls into anxious young women who have already experienced being treated differently than their male peers.

In this day and age, gender equality in high school and college must become part of a student's daily life. Learn more about how students can promote gender equality in education.

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What Is Gender Equality?

Whether you're in college or high school, it's important to understand that gender equality is needed urgently. But what is it and why is it important?

Gender equality is when people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It also works to prevent:

Violence against women

Unfair pay disparities

Keeping girls in school

Early or forced marriage

And above all, gender quality is a basic human right.

On the other hand, gender inequality is a form of discrimination and comes in many shapes and sizes. But for students, it usually occurs when you are treated differently because of your gender identity. For example, gendered remarks made that position boys better at math than girls.

But, achieving gender equality is no easy feat. If it were, you wouldn't be reading this article. But there are steps you can take to ensure you and your peers are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Everyone has a role to play.

Related Read: 25+ Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes on Equality, Change & the Rule of Law

Why Is Gender Equality Important in Education?

Promoting gender equality in college, as well as high school, is the first step towards ensuring all students are free to pursue an education without fear of discrimination because of their gender.

The education of girls and women can lead to a wide range of benefits, including:

Women's empowerment

Ability to exercise rights

Equal access to unlimited potential

Women's political participation

Work and economic security

Safety and freedom from gender-based violence

Without gender equality in university and high school, students graduate feeling less positive about their future. And, are left believing that their gender is their biggest barrier to success.

Why Has Progress Toward Gender Equality at School Slowed?

According to a recent study in the U.S., progress has slowed toward gender equality.

Despite dramatic progress toward gender equality between 1970 and 2018, recent decades suggest further progress requires substantial change.

So, why aren't we making more progress?

The same study suggests that gender fatigue is part of the issue. Gender fatigue refers to people acknowledging that gender bias exists, but losing interest or the will to do anything about it in their own everyday life.

Does this point to the little attention that gender equality in education has been given?

Or, is it a lack of understanding of gender quality and an insufficient Gender Equality Plan? Maybe. It might just be that the perception of gender equality work is not required.

Unfortunately, due to this lackluster approach to gender equality, young women are falling through the cracks.

If the education system is failing students, who can we turn to?

Students, of course - YOU!

Related Read: 35+ Powerful Martin Luther King Jr Quotes on Love, Peace & Activism

Reasons to Promote a Women-Empowered School

Empowering girls in education is key to economic growth and social transformation. An educated young woman can achieve more than she ever dreamed possible. With a good job, a higher income, and improved wellbeing, she can take on the world.

Let's check out the top reasons to promote a women-empowered school.

Decreases Women's Poverty

Poverty is one of the most important factors in whether a girl can attend and complete her education.

Many factors stand in the way of a young girl's access to education, including:

Low family income

Disability

Remote location

Ethnicity

But, education is a well-known path toward gender equality. Everyone has the right to gain access to quality education, no matter their gender, and lessen their chance of poverty.

Three ways education prevents poverty:

1. Health

2. Income and economic growth

3. Empowers women and girls

In developing nations, educated young women develop important skills and abilities that can give them better jobs with better incomes. The more income they have, the more goods they purchase. The higher demand for goods leads to the creation of more jobs.

All this works to help the economy grow.

As a student, you can play a major role in the success of yourself and your fellow peer's educational success. A collaborative working environment increases motivation and helps students take responsibility for their own and their peers' learning.

Related Read: 50+ Great Maya Angelou Quotes to Inspire, Empower, and Encourage

Gives Women More Employment Opportunities

In the past, education was more commonly associated with boys and men. In fact, women were admitted to high schools and universities long after their male counterparts.

Nowadays, it is common to see women in schools. However, this doesn't make future employment any easier.

Education for women equips them with certain skills and knowledge they wouldn't have learned otherwise. As a result, women are more qualified for better jobs.

It also promotes the acceptance of women enrolled in male-dominated college degrees. For example, engineering and STEM. And, it gives women the opportunity to study abroad and promote gender equality in other countries.

As a college student, you can take action against those who discourage women from pursuing male-dominated study areas.

For high school students, you can promote gender equality by taking an interest in STEM or supporting others who do.

Leads to Fewer Unintended Pregnancies and Delayed Marriage

It is well-known that educated women in developing countries are more likely to delay marriage and pregnancy. This is because educated women are deciding to enter the workforce first.

When they do decide to have children, these women are better equipped with the skills to bring strong and healthy children into the world.

However, education is costly. It is also one of the reasons women cannot afford to attend. In Kenya, one study found that reducing the cost of school uniforms reduced dropout rates, as well as marriage and childbearing.

However, this isn't only happening in developing countries. Developed nations such as the U.S., the U.K., and Australia determine that education has a positive effect on women and delayed childbirth.

There are many social and economic benefits of an educated woman's ability to delay marriage and children. For this to happen though, gender bias within schools must stop.

Instead, students and teachers should encourage and support students and their educational pursuits.

Related Read: 10+ Best Writing Websites, Forums & Writing Groups for Aspiring Authors

Improves Women's Health

Education provides access to more employment opportunities. This provides key benefits:

1. Higher-income

2. Job security

3. Financial stability

These benefits form a positive relationship between education and well-being. This leads to increased happiness and improved self-confidence.

Educated young women also exhibit healthier life choices. For example, choosing to avoid cigarettes and drug activity. Instead, they are exercising more and committing to healthy eating choices.

This extends to better relationships with family members and extended relatives. Friendships are also more likely to become longer-lasting.

Students in high school and college benefit from knowing that their education can increase a country's productivity, as well as their own.

Plus, they can improve their ability to make informed decisions after graduation. This includes decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health.

Increases Women's Political Participation

Education has an influence on different types of skills and knowledge that enable women to take part in a political landscape. This leads to stronger attention to women's issues.

It also facilitates women's engagement in public decision-making, an area generally dominated by men.

Some suggest that women's participation in politics also leads to great investments in education. This is a positive step toward gender equality.

Women in politics inspire young students to consider a political career or some kind of role in activism.

UN Women is an organization that aims to promote women's participation and leadership in:

Peacebuilding

Humanitarian response

Recovery and reconstruction

They also promote leadership programs aimed at young women to encourage them to play effective roles as political activists. As well as improving gender equality at a local and national level.

Related Read: How to Take Initiative: Definition & Complete Guide for Career & Education

Invites Girls to Voice Their Thoughts and Feelings

Education gives students a voice. Without education, students' experiences and struggles may remain silent.

In most co-ed high schools, boys tend to dominate classroom participation. They raise their hands more often, contribute to class discussion, and read aloud during class texts.

Teachers often rely on male students to volunteer as class leaders due to this class domination. Young women are called upon less and less and choose to remain silent as a result.

More often than not, young women are entering their formative schooling years less confident than ever due to this.

To elevate a young woman's voice, it's important that they have the chance to voice their opinions in a safe environment. Allowing young women to participate in debates and encouraging them to explore and develop their ideas is an effective strategy towards gender equality.

Because a woman's voice is a powerful tool.

Makes Schools Safer

Gender equality in education benefits every child. It creates a safe environment for children of all genders to have access to quality education.

Schools that challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality help build respectful relationships between students. They also prevent gender-based violence. A key concern that begins during those formative years.

Taking a whole-school approach to promoting gender equality leads to long-term prosperity for young women as they transition from high school to college.

With a greater demand for gender equality in schools, drop-out rates for young women are falling considerably. This suggests schools are trying to make changes in order to create a safer educational environment for young women.

Related Read: How to Stop Procrastinating? 10+ Expert Tips to Kick the Habit for Good

Tips on How to Empower Women at School

Many guides focus on how teachers and educators can empower women at school. But what about you, the student? What can you do?

Check out these top tips on how students can empower their peers at school and in everyday life.

Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Challenging gender stereotypes can go a long way towards promoting gender equality. Stereotyped ideas about what's suitable for boys and girls can limit our opportunities to learn and develop.

Here are a few things you can do to help create an environment that challenges gender stereotypes:

Be vigilant

Create a safe space

Watch your language

Speak up

Don't label

Change your mindset

These are tools that you can use not only in the classroom but in everyday life too.

You can also enlist the help of your male peers. They have just as much a part in promoting gender equality as you do. Don't be afraid to engage in meaningful conversation and exchange ideas on how best to challenge stereotypes.

Remember, knowledge is power! Don't forget to learn, speak up, and react!

Create Equal Opportunities

Education is the most important tool for promoting equal opportunities. If students have equal opportunities to gain education and skills, it goes a long way to promoting equal opportunities in the workforce.

Creating equal opportunities in education can be problematic. Some schools in wealthier areas tend to be more successful as they have the resources. Those who attend poorer schools have to work much harder to achieve the same successes.

And even then, that's not going to cut it.

For example, an employer is more likely to hire a Harvard alum compared to a recent community college graduate.

In a perfect world, the government would allocate money to poorer schools, increase teacher salaries, and update learning curriculums. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to the issue.

Related Read: Here Are 8 Questions to Ask Before Accepting That Job Offer

Foster an Inclusive Environment

Inclusion is good for all students.

Research shows that those who are happier at school perform better. By fostering an inclusive environment, students are more likely to continue their education long-term.

Teachers have a huge role in creating this environment. However, students also have the ability to foster an inclusive environment.

Let's explore some helpful and actionable ways you can foster a sense of community in your school:

1. Create opportunities to be involved

2. Create opportunities for dialogue

3. Share successes, celebrate others' successes

4. Celebrate diversity

5. Encourage interaction

6. Educate yourself

7. Have a positive attitude

For many years female students have felt left out. Nowadays, teachers and students are armed with the understanding and technology to make a change. With simple steps, you can promote gender equality and improve life for everyone.

Consider a Graduate Degree

Higher education is important for women. Of course, it isn't necessary. Many women without a graduate degree go on to become very successful individuals.

However, women who decide to pursue a graduate degree can enjoy many benefits. These include:

Gaining important skills

Accelerating your career

Increasing employment opportunities

Earning more money

Forming new connections

Beyond the employment benefits of higher education, graduates gain a global perspective on gender equality. This is especially true if you choose to complete some of your studies abroad.

In the UK, women gain the greatest financial benefits after achieving a graduate degree, despite their pay levels still dragging behind those of men.

Completing a graduate degree can be a life-changing experience. Most importantly, you're giving yourself the best possible chance of success.

Related Read: 25+ Best Gifts for College Students: Top University Student Presents

Be a Positive Role Model

Positive female role models are key to gender equality. They are an important way to promote gender equality among younger and older women alike. This is especially true when it comes to tackling gender inequality in careers.

But as we know, the battle for gender equality starts young. By the time children reach high school, they have already formed stereotyped ideas about what jobs are "acceptable" for their gender.

If children are exposed to positive role models early on in their development, there's a greater chance they may pursue careers outside of their gender. This is particularly true for young women interested in STEM.

How can I be a positive female role model?

Teach young women to speak confidently

Encourage girls to own their successes

Inspire girls to go for it

Celebrate female leaders

Teach girls tools to navigate conflict

There's no shortage of female talent and playing a positive part in their life may just give them the confidence they need.

Use Gender-Neutral Language

Language powerfully reflects and influences attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. The purpose of gender-neutral language is to avoid particular word choices that may be interpreted as discriminatory.

It is an important means of showing respect to those that don't identify as female or male. It is also a powerful way to promote gender equality. Small tweaks to your language usage can make a huge difference in the way you communicate with others.

Here are some easy tips to remember when using gender-neutral language:

Refrain from defaulting to "man" (i.e. postman)

Use "they" instead of "him" or "her"

Use "partner", "sibling" and "child"

Use "Latinx" instead of "Latino" or "Latina"

Hold those around you accountable

Most schools and colleges don't teach you how to use gender-neutral language. Consider teaching yourself through communication with others in an inclusive and safe environment. Power is knowledge.

The more you use your voice to include others, the more you promote gender equality. And that ain't a bad thing!

Related Read: 51+ Work-Life Balance Quotes to Know for Happiness & Success

Don't Distance Yourself From the Opposite Gender

Gender equality is when people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It is a human right. This means it doesn't refer to women only.

People of all genders are affected by gender inequality. That's why it's important not to distance yourself from other genders.

Globally, women have fewer opportunities for economic participation than men. However, so do members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Engaging effectively with diverse groups in school can create more student engagement, better performance, and higher satisfaction.

Why?

Because diversity and inclusion mean that all students can access and fully participate in learning alongside their peers. This is what true empowerment means. You can only feel truly empowered when everyone around you feels empowered too.

This is the true cornerstone for achieving gender equality and universal access to all.

Wrapping Up: Gender Equality in Education

As the gap widens, bright, young women fall behind. It is up to you to take part in promoting gender equality in education and closing the gap.

Let's work to shine a light on the opportunities that can improve gender equality in high school and college environments.

And not just in the U.S., but across the globe. Women are powerful, some just don't know it yet.

By working together, students can promote gender equality across a number of areas. These include leadership, empowerment, safety and freedom, and health and wellbeing.

Gender equality prevents violence against women, unfair pay disparities, and early marriage and childbearing. It also keeps girls in school which is key to the success of gender equality.

It's time to intervene and empower strong women to realize their full potential. Remember, gender inequality affects everyone.

Related Read: Glossary of College Terms: 25+ Important University Words to Understand

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A Student's Guide to Promoting Gender Equality in Education (HS & Uni)

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Did you know female enrollment in higher education has tripled globally between 1995 and 2018? While this is promising news, equal access to education has not led to an equal outcome in leadership and academic positions. This includes a major under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

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As an elementary school teacher, you may think your students are too young for discussions about gender. But did you know that children as young as four years old already express discriminatory beliefs based on gender? The earlier we can empower children with the belief that all gender identities (including their own) deserve respect, the better prepared all students will be for success.

Here we'll discuss what gender equality is, how it differs from gender equity, and why both gender equity and equality need to have a place in your curriculum. Then learn how to make your classroom a safe and welcoming place for all students.

What Are Gender Equality and Equity?

First, let's explain what we mean by gender. Gender is here defined as a student's social identity as male, female, or non-binary-the last of which refers to students who identify as a gender other than "male" or "female." Gender definitions also include transgender students, who identify as a gender that is different from their biological sex.

Gender equality involves empowering all students and providing them with the same human rights.[7] It also includes correcting biases students hold about themselves or gender identities other than their own. As a teacher, you'll work with many students, some of whom might have trouble understanding their own or other students' gender. That's why it's so important to be aware of and find ways to affirm your students' identities.[14] You can positively change the way your students see both themselves and others.

According to the ACT Center for Youth, true gender equality can be reached when these three needs are met for all students:[9]

Equitable access and use of resources

Equitable participation

Safety or freedom from violence

And how is gender equality different from gender equity? It can be helpful to look at gender equality as the end goal and gender equity as the means to get there.[8] Gender equity refers to promoting fairness in education, as well as confronting stereotypes and biases that have historically limited a student's potential. When we achieve gender equality, all students will be free to pursue their education without fear of discrimination or harassment because of their gender.

The Importance of Gender Equity and Equality in the Classroom

Why confront gender bias in the classroom as early as possible? A survey involving over 2,000 children ages 4 to 16 found that from an early age, children make assumptions that confirm gender stereotypes.[2] Children learn how to think about themselves and others from the messages they hear in society. And often, these messages include stereotypes about gender that stick with them for the rest of their lives.

In the classroom, students often encounter implicit or explicit assumptions about gender.[12] For example, girls interested in STEM subjects may be discouraged if others say such topics aren't very "feminine" pursuits. And the prevalence of this stereotype may be linked to the fact that more than 50% of all women in STEM ultimately leave their field due to hostile work environments.[8] Also, 75% of all transgender students report feeling unsafe at school, which affects their academic achievement in very serious and harmful ways.[10]

You can make a difference for younger students by teaching them to find strength in their gender identity and to treat kindly those with different identities than their own. According to Today's Parent writer Gordon Nore, children are often already thinking about their gender and how it relates to the world around them. As a teacher, you can help facilitate their thoughts and discussions in healthy ways. You can also promote better understanding among your students for those who are different from themselves.

Four Ways to Promote Gender Equity and Equality in Education

Looking for ways to discuss gender equality issues in your classroom and move towards gender equity? We've put together four examples of how you can promote gender equality for all of your students.

Be a Role Model for Your Students

Students, especially younger children, often learn by imitation.[2] As a teacher, be aware of your own assumptions about gender and try to correct your biases as you notice them.

In relevant situations, empower your students to believe in their potential to achieve their dreams regardless of their gender identity-and that their gender is a strength, never a weakness. Also, use language in class that is inclusive of transgender and non-binary students, such as using the name and pronouns that a student goes by, even if it is different from their school records.[11]

Don't Connect Gender to an Ability or Personality Trait

Sometimes our language can reinforce assumptions about gender. Be aware of the language you use in class, and avoid making assumptions about anyone's ability, profession, or personality based on their gender.

For example, TeachThought suggests you include a female construction worker or male nurse in a class assignment (such as a story problem) to challenge your students' assumptions and promote gender equity.[1] It can also be helpful to avoid making wide generalizations about gender in class, such as the assumption that boys are louder and girls are quieter, or assuming that all of your students identify as their birth sex.

Include Gender Equality in Your Curriculum

Many textbooks are problematic when it comes to gender. Often they don't include many notable female figures, tokenize the experiences of women, and stereotype gender roles in harmful ways.[5] If you're able to pick the textbook you use, try to find one that is known for its equitable treatment of gender.

If not, try to supplement your curriculum by teaching your students about both men and women who challenged their society's ideas about gender and changed their communities in meaningful ways. It can also be helpful to include gender non-conforming and transgender people in your curriculum to help students with these identities feel represented and accepted.

Teach Students to Be Aware of Personal Biases

One of the best ways to confront gender discrimination in the classroom is by simply making your students aware of it. Teach students about implicit bias, or beliefs we might hold about ourselves or others because of sexist messages we have heard.[3]

Tell your students that many people hold these biases, and it doesn't mean they are bad people. The important thing is for students to acknowledge their own assumptions. Once they do, they can challenge them to actively change those assumptions-to recognize that a person's abilities are not linked to their gender.

Sources:
1. TeachThought Staff. 6 Ways You Can Promote Gender Equality In Your Classroom. Retrieved from teachthought.com: teachthought.com/education/6-ways-can-promote-gender-equality-classroom/.
2. Elesapiens Staff. Strategies to promote gender equality in the classroom. Retrieved from elesapiens.com: https://www.elesapiens.com/blog/strategies-to-promote-gender-equality-in-the-classroom/
3. Briggs, S. How to Teach Students About Gender Equality. Retrieved from opencolleges.edu: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/gender-equality/.
4. United Nations Development Programme. Almost 90% of Men/Women Globally Are Biased Against Women. Retrieved from undp.org: https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2020/Gender_Social_Norms_Index_2020.html.
5. Klein, S. Handbook for Achieving Sex Equity Through Education. Retrieved from eric.ed.gov: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED290810.pdf.
6. Bailey, S.M. Shortchanging Girls and Boys. Educational Leadership, May 1996, 53(8), pp. 75-79.
7. United Nations Staff. Gender Equality: Why it Matters. Retrieved from un.org: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Goal-5.pdf.
8. ForbesWomen Staff. Why We Need Gender Equity Now. Retrieved from forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2017/09/14/why-we-need-gender-equity-now/.
9. ACT for Youth Center of Excellence. Understanding Gender and GenderResearch, Facts, and Findings. Retrieved from actforyouth.net: www.actforyouth.net/resources/rf/rf_gender1_1213.pdf.
10. National Center for Transgender Equality. Youth & Students. Retrieved from transequality.org: https://transequality.org/issues/youth-students
11. Welcoming Schools Staff. Affirming Gender in Elementary School: Social Transitioning. Retrieved from welcomingschools.org: https://www.welcomingschools.org/pages/affirming-gender-in-elementary-school-social-transitioning/
12. Smith, M. J., & Payne, E. Binaries and biology: Conversations with elementary education professionals after professional development on supporting transgender students. The Educational Forum, 2016, 80(1), pp. 34-47.

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How to Encourage Gender Equity and Equality in the Classroom

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Teachers, here's how to make sure every child in your classroom is treated fairly and with respect through gender equity and equality.

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contributed by Jesse Johnson

As young children begin to notice the differences in social expectations for gender roles, the ways teachers interact with students stand to have a great impact on their ability to participate in their education.

These interactions also create long-lasting effects in other areas of their lives, at times limiting their self-image and their perception of the opportunities that are available or appropriate for them. This trend is especially apparent in the shortage of women working in STEM fields. The STEM Gap is real.

Here are a few ways some teachers create a gender bias, often unknowingly, as well as strategies for encouraging and also to promote gender equality within the classroom. Whether they are causes or effects, three factors of gender equity in the classroom.

See also 14 Messages Every Student Needs To Hear From You

3 Factors That Contribute To Gender Inequality In The Classroom

Contributing Factor #1: Teachers Pay More Attention to Boys

According to a report sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), girls receive significantly less attention from teachers than boys do (Bailey, 1992).

This is due in part to the fact that, in general, boys are more likely to call out answers to questions posed to the class even if they haven't been called on by the teacher.

This trend may also exist because boys are often perceived as being more mischievous, causing teachers to monitor and engage with them more actively in class, giving a perceived 'opening' to speak without permission.

Over time, this can discourage female students from speaking up even when they feel like they have something worthwhile to contribute to a discussion.

Contributing Factor #2: Interactions with Boys are More Public

Teachers often have a tendency to talk to boys from a greater distance than girls. This is possibly due to an expectation that they should communicate in a more nurturing way with girls and a more business-like way with boys.

Because the entire classroom can often hear a teacher's conversations with boys, this contributes to - at least the appearance of - teachers communicating more often and more casually with boys. This encourages girls to reserve their comments and questions for private conversations, denying them the chance to participate in primarily male-focused discussions.

Contributing Factor #3: Praise & Criticism Differ Between Boys & Girls

Though teachers aim to treat all students equally, there are often stark differences in the types of things boys and girls are praised or criticized for.

For example, boys are often praised more than girls for sharing correct knowledge, and wrong answers provided by boys are likely to be overlooked.

In contrast, girls are more often criticized for conveying incorrect knowledge, and teachers tend to provide less praise for correct answers given by girls. The lack of publicity in teachers' conversations with girls makes knowledge provided by girls less visible. From this, an expectation arises that boys' knowledge is more highly valued than that of girls, which can convince girls that they are less competent than boys.

Another difference comes in the fact that girls are more often praised for good behavior, whereas boys are criticized more for bad behavior in the classroom.

While this may seem like this difference would benefit female students, this trend actually places a greater emphasis on compliance as being essential to their academic success rather than simply learning and demonstrating knowledge.

1. Be Reflective and Be Objective

First, pay attention to the trends above and do your best to offer more gender-neutral responses to students.

You may feel like you already do a good job of this, but it can be difficult to judge your own teaching objectively. It may help to record a video of your classroom in order to take a closer look at your own teaching methods and interactions with students.

Your language, norms, and underlying assumptions about gender-that girls learn one way or prefer one kind of instruction, book, grouping strategy, etc., for example-can promote gender inequality in the classroom in an invisible but ultimately divisive way.

2. Get Feedback From Colleagues and Students

Consider getting feedback from colleagues on any differences they may notice that you don't. Further, consider getting similar feedback from the students themselves using an anonymous comment box.

Consider questions such as:
Which genders are recognized and supported in my classroom? Do you feel welcome and equally supported in this classroom? Do you notice any differences in how I treat different genders? What do I need to know about you, in terms of gender, to teach you well? To support you personally? Have I-or other students-made you feel good or bad in regard to your gender at any point? How can we do more of the former and less of the latter?
3. Use Gender-Neutral Language When Appropriate

You can also alter the language within your lessons to help expand students' perspectives beyond gender stereotypes.

For example, in assignments, you can challenge students' expectations by including a female construction worker or soldier, a male secretary or nurse, and other professions typically associated with a particular gender.

Also, when referring to the group as a whole, avoid using gendered terms like 'guys,' which may make female students feel excluded. Instead, reach for gender-neutral pronouns like 'everyone.'

Similarly, you shouldn't refer to stereotypical characteristics like 'boys don't cry' or 'girls don't fight.' This language lays a foundation that may limit students' understanding of gender roles.

4. Explain the Context

If you hear students using phrases like 'you play like a girl' or 'man up,' it's important to point out the social implications of these statements rather than simply admonishing the use of that kind of phrasing.

The struggle for and history of gender equity parallels similar struggles and histories for race and religious equity. Understanding how individuals and groups become marginalized through the most basic of cultural tools like language can, depending on the grade level of your students, is more important than having 'clear rules' to simply 'protect students' from bias.

5. Seat and Group Students Intentionally

It's common for boys and girls to segregate when choosing friends and seating arrangements. Teachers sometimes encourage this by asking girls and boys to form separate lines in the hallway or even organizing separate sports activities for each group.

By creating a dynamic seating chart, you can break up boys- or girls-only cliques and encourage both groups to engage with each other.

6. Use Project-Based Learning

You can also be intentional about integrating a mix of boys and girls within small group projects. There are many types of project-based learning, each suited to different applications within and beyond the classroom.

The work can be purely academic, with the lessons on gender equity indirect and implicit. By working together, girls and boys can-if supported well-better understand the nuance of individual behaviors rather than stereotyping 'girls' and 'boys.'

Projects can also be created to explore concepts in and around gender and cultural equity or to do work in select spaces and communities to nurture the growth of healthy human interdependence.

See also The Definition Of Project-Based Learning

Conclusion

These trends aren't true for every teacher or every group of students, but they are worth considering as you attempt to curb gender biases within your teaching methods. Gender disparity is only one facet of a much larger issue of equity within education.

However, by making efforts to break down traditional gender roles in the classroom, you can better prepare students to seek knowledge and participate more fully in discussions and other learning opportunities in many fields, regardless of their gender.

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6 Ways You Can Promote Gender Equality In Your Classroom

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contributed by Jesse Johnson As young children begin to notice the differences in social expectations for gender roles, the ways teachers interact with students stand to have a great impact on their ability to participate in their education.

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Exercise may not always feel like something you're meant to do, but humans weren't born to be couch potatoes - at least from an evolutionary perspective. Our ancestors constantly moved around for food and shelter, according to . Fast forward to the 21st century where the average human isn't running after bisons or traveling every couple of days. While humans have evolved into a sedentary lifestyle, our bodies haven't.

The CDC says that humans need to regularly exercise (for an average of 150 minutes per week) to be healthy. However, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reported that less than 5 percent of adults exercise for 30 minutes a day. That means only one in three adults actually adhere to the recommended guidelines.

While one missed gym day won't hurt, not exercising for long periods of time is harmful. Physical inactivity can have a whole host of effects on your body. Here are some ways a lack of exercise can ruin your health.

Lack of physical activity can affect how your brain works

Your brain is like a muscle. By exercising, you're strengthening and training it to work better. But when you get older, it gets weaker and your memory starts to falter. A 2012 study in the found people aged 45 to 49 showed evidence of cognitive decline. However, signs of memory loss can start as early as your 20s or 30s, a 2010 study found. However, exercise serves as a protective factor against memory decline and dementia, according to Harvard Health Blog.

"Engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions," Dr. Scott McGinnis, a neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, told the site.

Exercise improves the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex, which control thinking and memory. In addition, exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in learning and memory. A 2017 review in Frontiers of Physiology also found that exercise works by increasing orexin-A. Orexin-A build new brain cells in the hippocampus, which keeps the brain sharp as you age.

Not exercising increases your risk of heart disease

While not as easily seen as the muscles in your arms, the heart is also a muscle that benefits from working out. The British Heart Foundation explained that exercising helps the lungs bring oxygen to the rest of the body. But when you don't make exercise a habit, your risk for heart disease increases (via CDC).

Being inactive causes fatty material build up in your arteries - blood vessels involved in transporting blood to the tissue and organs, continued the British Heart Foundation. Accumulating fat in the arteries can cause clogging, which increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Other heart-related issues from being inactive include high blood pressure and blood clots, a 2011 study found.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States, according to the CDC. However, you can drastically lower these risks by resuming your exercise routine.

Your mental health can suffer from a lack of exercise

Exercise isn't only beneficial for your physical health, it also helps with mental health. "People know that exercise helps physical outcomes. There is much less awareness of mental health outcomes - and much, much less ability to translate this awareness into exercise action," Michael Otto, a professor of psychology at Boston University, told the American Psychological Association.

Exercise is important in maintaining your mental health. A 2018 study in found physical inactivity increased the risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents. A separate 2018 study in The Lancet Psychiatry looked at the "mental health burden" of adults. It was found that those who exercised had 43.2 percent fewer "bad" mental health days compared to adults who did not regularly exercise. "Just one hour of exercise per week can significantly reduce the risk of depression and depressive symptoms," Adam Fry, a performance science specialist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told .

Prioritizing mental health also helps with physical illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. For example, not managing stress can result in everything from headaches to high blood pressure. But, thankfully, exercising can help overcome the negative effects of stress.

By avoiding exercise, you increase your risk for type 2 diabetes

About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There are also 1.6 million diabetes-related deaths every year. The American Diabetes Association explained that a "lack of exercise" - as well as other factors like obesity - "appear to play roles in the cause of type 2 diabetes."

Type 2 diabetes is defined by a resistance to, or an inability to produce, insulin. "Exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels and also help regulate your hormones, such as insulin," Yasmin Akhunji, an endocrinologist with Paloma Health, told Endocrineweb. Interestingly, a 2011 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that participants who stopped working out for just three days had a harder time controlling their insulin levels.

The best way to manage insulin levels is by combining resistance training and aerobic exercise, per Harvard's Healthbeat. This fitness regimen helps decrease insulin resistance and may be most beneficial for older obese adults with a high likelihood of developing diabetes.

Not getting enough physical activity is connected to an increased cancer risk

A lack of exercise is believed to be linked to an increased risk of cancer, explained the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Conversely, regular exercise has many beneficial effects on the body including, but not limited to, lowering sex hormones levels (which increase breast and colon cancer development), reducing inflammation, increasing metabolism, and preventing obesity - a major risk factor for several cancers, per NCI.

"Throughout the world, 1 of 4 adults is physically inactive, increasing their risk of developing cancer or making it worse," said Alpa Patel, senior scientific director of epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society, to American Cancer Society. Similarly, a 2014 study in the Journal of the National Current Institute found that sedentary behavior - spending a majority of time sitting or lying down -while watching TV increased the risk of colon, endometrial, and lung cancers.

Additionally, a 2019 review in Current Nutrition Reports found sedentary behavior increased the risk of breast cancer by 8 to 17 percent. "Being physically active is one of the most helpful steps people of all ages and abilities can take to protect themselves from cancer," Pate saidl.

Your muscles get weaker when you don't exercise

Use it or lose it. When you're not exercising, muscle mass wastes away, per Healthline. In fact, a 2012 study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology suggested that athletes and non-athletes start to lose muscle after three weeks of not working out. However, a 2015 study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine finds muscle strength disappears after two weeks of total inactivity, with young men losing an average of 17 ounces of muscle mass (via ).

It's also harder to regain muscle strength after its lost. "It's interesting that inactivity causes such rapid loss of muscle mass, in fact it'll take you three times the amount of time you were inactive to regain the muscle mass that you've lost. This may be caused by the fact that when we're inactive, it's 24 hours a day," Martin Gram, co-author of the 2015 study, explained in a press release.

Losing muscle mass, or muscle atrophy, occurs with long periods of physical inactivity, explained Medical News Today. When the body realizes muscles aren't being put to work, they break them down to save energy.

Without exercise, your bones weaken

Beyond drinking milk, staying active can help with bone health. A 2015 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that exercise can increase bone mineral density. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explained that exercising for bone health is especially important in people older than 20 when bone loss becomes more commonplace.

When it comes to exercise, a 2014 review published in Missouri Medicine suggested that weight-bearing exercise, exercises that involve jumping, and resistance exercise at any age can increase bone mass. To prevent osteoporosis, specifically, Versus Arthritis recommends doing high-impact exercises such as skipping, aerobics, weight-training, running, jogging and tennis. Practicing Tai chi may also help with maintaining balance and reducing your risk of falls. However, you're going to want to approach a new exercise routine gradually.

"If you've never been physically active, or haven't been for a long time, walking is an excellent place to start. As long as you're walking regularly it will be really helpful. As your bones learn to adjust, it's a good idea to do other kinds of activities as well - so add a bit of stair-climbing or resistance training," Carly Ryan, an exercise physiologist, told Health Agenda.

Being inactive can lead to premature death

It can be frustrating to exercise and not see results such as toned muscles or a flat belly. Beyond these benefits, exercise provides another, albeit long-term benefit: living longer. When you don't work out, you're increasing your risk for disease. Research shows this can cause a person to die earlier than they otherwise would.

A 2012 study in found that being inactive was associated with a 9 percent increased risk of premature death worldwide. The researchers estimated that by reducing physical inactivity by 10 to 25 percent, there would be about 1 to 3 million fewer deaths each year.

Even if you start exercising later in life, exercise can still help increase your lifespan (via Medical News Today). Harvard Health Publishing explained that for every hour of regular exercise a person gets, he adds two more hours to his life. That's quite the return. Plus, a 2019 study estimated that just 5 to 10 minutes of running could be enough to increase your longevity.

Not exercising leads to unhealthy eating habits

Which would you choose: a Big Mac or a Caesar salad? The answer may change depending on whether or not you exercised today. Exercise can encourage healthier food options - and that's regardless of age. A 2015 study published in BMC Pediatrics found that children were less likely to choose salty foods after exercising versus children who did not exercise. In young adults, a 2019 study in the International Journal of Obesity showed that those who exercised for 15 weeks were more likely to choose healthier food and snack less.

How does exercise help a person choose healthier foods? In response to the 2019 study, Peter A. Hall, a professor at the University of Waterloo, wrote a correspondence to the journal suggesting that aerobic exercise (such as running or cycling) influences brain areas involved in decision-making, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Similarly, a 2018 study in Neuroimage found that when this area was stimulated, it increased the person's ability to be less impulsive when choosing high-calorie food. Another study, published in Brain Stimulation, found that in obese adults, activating the left side of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex helped aid weight loss and lower food intake.

Inactivity increases cholesterol levels

Cholesterol isn't necessarily bad. At healthy levels, cholesterol is important in building healthy cells. Also, there's healthy cholesterol, called HDL, which removes excess cholesterol from the body by transporting it to the liver. But before you order fast food again this week, the Mayo Clinic warned of "bad cholesterol" called LDL, which increases fatty deposits in blood vessels over time. Since there are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, it is dubbed a "silent killer" (via ). High cholesterol is a major cause for heart disease, stroke, and chest pain.

The Mayo Clinic explained that unhealthy lifestyle choices including a poor diet and lack of exercise can build up fatty deposits, making it easier to block blood flow. Studies have shown that exercise can influence both LDL ("bad") and HDL ("good") levels. A 2016 study in Health Promotion Perspectives, for example, found that people who didn't exercise were associated with lower HDL levels; in contrast, people who exercised were associated with higher HDL levels.

You'll have trouble sleeping if you don't exercise

Can't sleep? You may just need some exercise. This might sound counterintuitive, but exercising can help with restful and rejuvenating sleep. This is because exercise can serve as a "protective function against insomnia," per SleepFoundation.org. A 2017 study published in Sleep Medicine found that adults most at risk for developing insomnia tend to smoke or are physically inactive.

While researchers haven't figured out exactly why exercise helps with sleeping, there are some plausible theories. The Sleep Foundation explained that after a workout, body temperature falls. This mimics the drop in temperature that signals the body when to sleep. Exercise also helps to regulate the body's internal clock, called the circadian rhythm, that tells the body when it's time to sleep or be awake.

You don't need washboard abs to get a good night's sleep, though. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, just 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity during the day can help you see positive changes in your sleep that same night. "It's generally not going to take months or years to see a benefit," Charlene Gamaldo, medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep at Howard County General Hospital, told Johns Hopkins. "And patients don't need to feel like they have to train for the Boston Marathon to become a better sleeper."

Lack of exercise can mess with your immune system

Exercise may be just what the doctor ordered. Any physical activity - from taking a walk to weightlifting - can help your immune system fight off infection. A 2019 review in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found that exercising for even less than an hour was effective in boosting white bloods cells, which are essential for defending the body. They also increased immunosurveillance of foreign invaders and lowered inflammation levels. According to Medline Plus, exercise may also help to rid bacteria from the lungs, which decreases your chance for respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Dr. Leonard Calabrese, a rheumatologist and osteopathic physician, told the Cleveland Clinic that the relationship between exercise and immunity was best described as a J-curve. "Being sedentary makes you vulnerable to ubiquitous infections like colds, flus, etc. Exercising moderately, getting our 150 minutes of moderate to high physical activity a week that can be done in five- or ten-minute little bundles, will reduce your risk for these."

However, too much exercise can backfire. "And at the other end is training and training hard, that the sports scientists call overreaching or over-training," Calabrese continued. "That can make you vulnerable, as well."

Physical inactivity can lead to bathroom troubles

Struggling to poop? Well, you might need to move more. "Lack of movement and fiber can contribute to poor bowel function," Isadora Baum, certified health coach, told Simplemost. "By staying active, you can promote regularity within the digestive tract."

Even if you have a digestive disorder, you may be able to find some relief through exercise. Healthline explained, "When it comes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), moderate exercise can ease some symptoms of IBD." That said, you're going to want to avoid overly strenuous exercise as that can worsen inflammation.

Considering exercise promotes good digestion, it makes sense that physical inactivity would lead to constipation. A 2013 study in the journal found that not working out for a long time increased constipation along with trouble passing gas. But what could help alleviate digestive symptoms? Exercise, of course! In fact, Manhattan Gastroenterology revealed, "Over time, regular exercise can strengthen your digestive tract."

Without exercise, you'll gain weight

As you get older, it becomes harder to shed the pounds. "Aging is one of the biggest factors effecting basal metabolic rate. Unfortunately, it does slow down year after year, which in turn, means most of us do see the number on the scale creeping up in the wrong direction due to a decrease in muscle mass," Jillian Reece, a clinical bariatric dietitian, Tufts Medical Center.

Although you may never be able to burn calories like your 16-year-old self, exercise can help. In fact, a lack of exercise seems to be a greater factor in gaining weight - especially as you get older. A 2014 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that for men and women, the average BMI and waist circumference each increases by .37 percent per year. In addition, results showed a lack of exercise, not diet, was significantly linked to weight gain.

The type of weight gain is not muscular but fat, which can increase your risk for many health conditions. Visceral fat is especially dangerous as it wraps around organs in the body. A 2005 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found physical inactivity increased visceral fat in overweight men and women. However, by exercising, participants could reverse the built-up visceral fat.

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When You Don't Exercise, This Is What Happens To Your Body - Health Digest

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Exercise may not always feel like something you're meant to do, but humans weren't born to be couch potatoes - at least from an evolutionary perspective. Our ancestors constantly moved around for food and shelter, according to . Fast forward to the 21st century where the average human isn't running after bisons or traveling every couple of days.

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What is an inactive lifestyle?

Being a couch potato. Not exercising. A sedentary or inactive lifestyle. These all mean the same thing: a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down, with very little or no exercise.

People are spending more time doing sedentary activities. During our leisure time, we are often sitting while using a computer or other device, watching TV, or playing video games. Many of our jobs have become more sedentary, with long days sitting at a desk or while commuting. And the way most of us get around involves sitting - in cars, on buses, and on trains.

How does an inactive lifestyle affect your body?

When you have an inactive lifestyle:

You burn fewer calories. This makes you more likely to gain weight

You may lose muscle strength and endurance, because you are not using your muscles as much

Your bones may get weaker and lose some mineral content

Your metabolism may be affected, and your body may have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars

Your immune system may not work as well

You may have poorer blood circulation

Your body may have more inflammation

You may develop a hormonal imbalance

What are the health risks of an inactive lifestyle?

Having an inactive lifestyle can increase your risk of developing chronic (long-term) diseases. This is sometimes referred to as "sitting disease". By not getting regular exercise, you raise your risk of:

Having a sedentary lifestyle can also raise your risk of premature death. And the more sedentary you are, the higher your health risks are.

How can I get started with exercise?

If you have been inactive, you may need to start slowly. Your health care provider can help you choose the best type or amount of activity for you based on your fitness level and health. You can keep adding more exercise gradually. The more you can do, the better. But try not to feel overwhelmed and do what you can. Getting some exercise is always better than getting none. Eventually, your goal can be to get the recommended amount of exercise for your age and health.

There are many ways to get exercise; it is important to find the types that are best for you. You can also try to add activity to your life in smaller ways, such as at home and at work.

How can I be more active around the house?

There are some ways you can be active around your house:

Housework, gardening, and yard work are all physical work. To increase the intensity, you could try doing them at a more vigorous pace.

Keep moving while you watch TV. Lift hand weights, do some gentle yoga stretches, or pedal an exercise bike.

Work out at home with a workout video (on your TV or on the internet).

Go for a walk in your neighborhood. It can be more fun if you walk your dog, walk your kids to school, or walk with a friend.

Stand up when talking on the phone.

Get some exercise equipment for your home. Treadmills and elliptical trainers are great, but not everyone has the money or space for one. Less expensive equipment such as yoga balls, exercise mats, stretch bands, and hand weights can help you get a workout at home too.

How can I be more active at work?

Most of us sit when we are working, often in front of a computer. It can be challenging to fit physical activity into your busy workday, but here are some tips to help you get moving:

Get up from your chair and move around at least once an hour

Park at the back of the parking lot

Stand when you are talking on the phone or during a video conference

Find out whether your company can get you a stand-up or treadmill desk

Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Use your break or part of your lunchtime to walk around the building

Stand up and walk to a colleague's office instead of sending an email

Have "walking" or standing meetings with co-workers instead of sitting in a conference room

The good news is that it's never too late to change your exercise habits. You can start slowly and find ways to fit more physical activity into your life. Regular exercise has many benefits and may help prevent or control many diseases.

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Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle: MedlinePlus

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An inactive lifestyle, with too much sitting and not enough exercise, is bad for you. Learn about the health risks and how you can be more active.

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While roadside zoos recently have been in a negative light for their animal rights violations, raising awareness of this global issue, animal cruelty is happening even in some of the most-loved, respected, accredited zoos all over the world. While many more laws now exist that regulate wild animals' possession and exhibition, the situation appears to have remained unaddressed for captive animals. So we had to ask: How can we stop animal cruelty in zoos?

You can help stop animal cruelty in zoos by petitioning your local government to make animal protection laws and donate to animal rights organizations. There are also numerous campaigns against animal cruelty in zoos that you can support or start your own campaign.

If you want to help save animals that are captive in zoos from mistreatment and abuse, this article has several ways for you to take action. No matter who you are or where you live, there is something you can do to help put an end to animal cruelty in zoos all over the world.

Investigate Your Local Zoos

If you have zoos near where you live, do your own personal investigation into their standards. You can contact them by email or phone to inquire about enrichment standards and whether the animals are given time and space to socialize. And you can ask them about what kind of conservation projects they are participating in or what kind of research they may be looking into.

Further your investigation and visit the zoo to see for yourself if what they say is true. Take note of animal demeanors and take pictures of animals, exhibits, or anything that shows potential signs of mistreatment.

It's important to hold zoos accountable for their responsibility to the welfare of their animals. You can reach out to your local zoo and request that they address any issues or shortcomings and better its practices. And encourage others to do the same.

Report Problems or Concerns

If you have a roadside zoo in your neighborhood or a local zoo that appears to be abusing, mistreating, or poorly caring for its animals, report these issues to local and federal authorities. You can call your local police department to make a report. Also, communicate this to the USDA (in the United States), as they are the federal institution responsible for zoo inspections.

You can also inform your county animal protection organization and local city or district politicians working for the zoo's region to express your concern. If they have the resources available, they may also take a look into the problem.

It doesn't hurt to report the zoo to various animal rights groups and nonprofit organizations, as they may help address the issue, too. For example, Born Free USA, a nonprofit fighting to help captive animals, has a form you can fill out online to report problematic zoos in your area. You could also try contacting ASPCA and the ALDF and request their help to spread the word or investigate the issue.

Educate Others and Get Them Involved

There has been a growing concern for the welfare of animals used for entertainment. More recently, many were exposed to some of the critical conservation and welfare issues occurring in roadside zoos by watching Netflix's Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness, which documented problems with public encounters and captive breeding with exotic and wild animals.

However, many are still clueless and don't even know anything bad is happening.

Be a vocal advocate for zoo animals and help educate othersabout the various issues animals in captivity are still facing today.

And while animal welfare concerns exist with all systems of captivity, when it comes to zoos, there are significant differences respecting animal welfare between smaller private zoos that are unaccredited and larger zoos and sanctuaries that have accreditation. It's important to make this distinction and ensure others understand it as well when you discuss this detail.

The small, unaccredited zoos, commonly called roadside zoos, generally operate as a business for profit, often with a focus on entertainment instead of education and conservation. Plus, animals are often made to live in small enclosures or cages and provided limited enrichment or socializing opportunities.

By contrast, larger zoos attempt to mimic animals' natural habitats and environments and only keep animals in enclosures for limited times in the day, and many receive accreditation. However, these zoos are not devoid of their own issues, as many still mistreat animals by abusing or ignoring exhibit standards and laws.

Taking the time to inform others can help grow the movement to end animal cruelty in zoos by raising awareness and getting others active in the cause.

Donate to Organizations Fighting for Animal Rights

There are many organizations out there that are fighting for animal rights. Some groups are dedicated to the problem at large, though you can find some that are focused more pointedly on combating animal cruelty in zoos. Depending on where you live, there may be a local group to support that is actively fighting against problematic zoos in your area.

Larger organizations often are all-encompassing of animal rights and do various charitable acts on a global scale. Some animal rights groups may get some government funding or occasionally receive some financial assistance. But for the most part, these associations are supported with donations from other concerned animal lovers such as yourself. Here are a few animal rights groups fighting for animals worldwide that need your support:

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): While their reputation has dulled a bit over the years, they do a lot to help animals in captivity.

Animal Aid: This UK-based organization concentrates on rescuing abused animals and relocating them, but they also work hard to educate the public and report on zoos with issues.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF): This group files lawsuits for animals in active need of help and provides legal representation on behalf of our furry friends.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): This group is dedicated to ending animal cruelty in zoos and aquariums.

Born Free USA: This nonprofit organization helps animalis, in captivity or in the wild, to be able to live their lives according to their needs. And, through their online form, you can report problematic zoos in your area to help them fight for these captive animals.

It should be noted, the ASPCA, in particular, has an official Position Statement on Zoos and Aquariums wherein it describes the necessary conditions that zoos and aquariums must meet in their exhibitions to be supported by the organization. The ASPCA believes that accredited and legitimate venues can greatly add to field conservation efforts that support the preservation of natural habitats for wild animals.

The ASPCA also makes a distinction between accredited zoos and aquariums, which focus on education and conservation, and roadside menageries, which subject wild and exotic animals to poor exhibition conditions. Moreover, the organization believes that rigorous standards be met to provide suitably humane care for the captive animals.

The ASPCA is supportive of animal exhibitions in zoos and aquariums if venues meet the following conditions:

The venue employs individuals who are trained and educated in how to tend to the needs of the animals in their care, including physical and psychological needs

Animal enclosures must meet or exceed AMA standards, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) must enforce these standards

Venues push themselves to meet the more precise requirements needed for accreditation by the AZA

Zoos offer displays that are educational and highlight the themes of wild habitat destruction, endangered species, and biodiversity reduction

Venues exhibit behaviors of humane treatment to their animals by meeting all physical needs, providing appropriate and safe social groups of animals, and using positive reinforcement methods for the training needed to assist in medical procedures, and providing beneficial mental stimulation to animals in confinement

Venues participate in breeding programs under strict control and take responsibility for all animals and any offspring, even after they have left their direct care, with "surplus" young prohibited other than to ensure social groupings and gender balances; no venue should transfer surpluses to "canned hunts," medical research facilities or auctions, and no consideration should go to placing animals in the care of private individuals.

Contact Local Government and Advocate for Change

In the United States, only two federal laws-the Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act -are in place to protect captive animals' welfare, such as those in zoos. Indeed, most things requiring law and government enforcement occur more effectively at the local level. And local laws are most important for combating animal cruelty in zoos.

Some zoos can get away with animal cruelty and see no or very little reprimand because there are no laws or restrictions prohibiting them from their actions. Even if there are local or state animal protection laws in place, exceptions are made for farm animals, laboratory-testing animals, and even wildlife. And depending on the language and context of the law, zoos can be made legally exempt from these laws.

In the U.S. alone, approximately 2,400 zoos are home to hundreds of thousands of animals, many of which do not have legal protection. Exhibitors are required to obtain a license and abide by Animal Welfare Act standards; however, these standards have received criticism for not being sufficiently protective of animals in captivity.

Furthermore, federal laws often are poorly enforced, which results in large numbers of repeat violations in zoos that continue to exhibit animals outside of compliance with the law.

Since state and local laws differ in their capacity, severity, and enforcement, many fail to override the Animal Welfare Act exemptions and fill the gaps in legislation it left behind. What's more, only a few zoos seek out private accreditation, and even many private standards are criticized as inadequate and insufficient in protecting animal welfare.

Write, call, email, or otherwise contact your local congress, mayor, or governor and push for legislation that will regulate zoo operations and protect the animals. Research any existing legislation beforehand so you can accurately address the specific problem you have with the law. And be forthcoming about what you want to accomplish. Be sure to cite an evidential point demonstrating your concern, and state what you want to be done about it.

Here's an example of something you could write:
"Governor Jones, I wish to express my concern about our state's animal protection laws. Currently, the state only has legislation that protects domestic, companion animals, and family farm livestock; however, there is nothing that explicitly protects the rights of animals in captivity. The World Animal Protection group recently discovered that animal mistreatment occurs worldwide in many zoos that the public believed to be well-accredited by a trustworthy source. The abuses have resulted in injuries, illnesses, and deaths of animals worldwide. Our state must implement strict measures prohibiting any such mistreatment from being permitted in zoos that are operating in the region. Enclosed, you'll find a petition that has been signed by 1,000 state citizens requesting that animal protection legislation be drawn up to address these concerns. I urge you to consider these matters quickly."
And keep in mind that our elected officials are there to do the work of the people. If there is a large amount of the public voicing concern for something, politicians will feel pressure to act rapidly and work toward making a change. Encourage your family, friends, and other fellow-animal rights activists to also contact mayors and governors and request that laws be put in place that prohibit animal cruelty in zoos.

Host a Fundraiser or Start Your Own Campaign

ASPCA invites you to join them in action and offer support via TEAM ASPCA to help you create a DIY fundraiser or start your own campaign to help animals in need. They offer great tips and resources on how to "turn your compassion into action" so you can take a stand in the fight to end animal cruelty in zoos.

But you don't need to go through any organization to do this. It's easy to sign up for a free website and create a page that highlights your campaign. You can spread the word through social media and host events to raise awareness and recruit others. There are even a variety of ways to set up accounts to collect donations, which you can use to donate to animal rights groups and help fund your campaign.

Fundraisers can be as simple as putting out some postings on social media or hosting small events at the community center or other common meeting ground in your neighborhood. This is a great way to get the word out about animal abuse in zoos and help raise money that you can donate to your favorite organization to help fight against it.

Join an Animal Rights Group

If you want to help stop animal cruelty in zoos more directly, you can join an animal rights group and get active. Check out various national organizations to find a mission you want to support, and become a member of the cause-some may even have local chapters that regularly meet animal cruelty issues.

Also, look for local groups in your area who may be staging public protests or boycotts; you can take part to help bring awareness to the cause and fight for animals in your own community.

Stand With WAP for Higher Standards From WAZA

An investigative report published in 2019 by World Animal Protection (WAP) entitled " The show can't go on" discovered widespread animal mistreatment occurring in 1,241 venues associated with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

According to WAZA guidelines, members are not to include animals in any display, show, or interactive experience where they are made to perform unnatural or demeaning behaviors. Nonetheless, WAP found 75% of zoos and aquariums affiliated with WAZA were offering irresponsible animal-interaction experiences to their visitors, including forcing captive animals to tricks and using them as props for photos.

WAP is taking action to end this abuse throughout the world's supposedly credible zoos and aquariums and calling out the CEO of WAZA and the President of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), urging them to protect wildlife by implementing higher standards in animal welfare and strictly enforcing them at accredited venues.

You can sign and send the email WAP has written to demand that WAZA revoke membership from all its venues currently providing irresponsible attractions to their visitors. We must insist that WAZA do its job as the global alliance of "the world's leading zoos and aquariums."

Furthermore, until WAZA responds to these demands or animal welfare drastically improves, WAP urges everyone to avoid patronizing these venues:

SeaWorld - San Antonio, USA

Jungle Cat World - Canada

African Lion Safari - Canada

Sea World - Australia

Puy du Fou - France

Zoo D'Amnéville - France

Cango Wildlife Ranch - South Africa

Mystic Monkeys & Feather Wildlife Park - South Africa

Zoo Marine - Portugal

Avilon Zoo - Philippines

Dolphin Island (Resort World Sentosa) - Singapore

Ichihara Elephant Kingdom - Japan

Final Thoughts

The best ways to help stop animal cruelty in zoos are to raise awareness and get active in the fight. Joining an animal rights organization is a great way to get involved, help expose issues, educate others, and even lobby governments to change animal protection laws. Even if you can't dedicate time to this, you can always donate money to groups working to end animal cruelty. It doesn't matter what you do to help; it only matters that you do something.

Stay impactful,

Sources

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8 Ways How You Can Stop Animal Cruelty in Zoos - Impactful Ninja

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While roadside zoos recently have been in a negative light for their animal rights violations, raising awareness of this global issue, animal cruelty is happening even in some of the most-loved, respected, accredited zoos all over the world. While many more laws now exist that regulate wild animals' possession and exhibition, the situation appears to have remained unaddressed for captive animals.

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You can help us keep wild animals where they belong-in the wild. Animals torn from their natural habitats to entertain us in aquariums, zoos or circuses are silently suffering in captivity. But progress is being made thanks to our efforts along with your support.

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Laws That Protect Captive Wildlife

Few federal laws protect the millions of wild animals who live in captivity in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos in the U.S.

The Animal Welfare Act: The Animal Welfare Act, or AWA, is the primary piece of federal legislation regulating captive wild animals. Zoos and circuses are among those who fall under this act.

The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. The law, adopted by Congress in 1966, protects so-called "warm-blooded" animals who are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially or publicly exhibited, like in a zoo or circus. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and "cold-blooded" animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish.

This is only one of the Act's limitations. Its protections are minimal as well. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. For example, the law does not restrict the display or private ownership of captive wild animals or prohibit the use of controversial bullhooks, whips, electrical shock or other devices commonly used in circuses. For animals in zoos, the AWA sets low requirements as to housing, food and sanitation, and, as is commonly noted, no requirements for mental stimulation of animals other than primates.

Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. A common criticism is that the inspectors are often inadequately trained to look for sign of problems such as abuse and neglect.

The Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES): CITES is an international treaty that regulates the trade of wildlife for nations that are signatories to the treaty. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals.

The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. Today, nearly every country in the world is a member of CITES. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan.

This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. A criticism is that protections are less robust for species that are economically valuable, and that CITES is not as transparent in its decision-making or enforcement as would be ideal.

The Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act, the ESA, is a federal law that protects fish, mammals, birds and plants listed as threatened or endangered in the U.S. and beyond. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations.

In 2014, the Animal Legal Defense Fund successfully brought a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act against a roadside zoo called the Cricket Hollow Animal Park, that was mistreating protected animals. This was the first time that the ESA has successfully been used to protect captive wild animals. In 2018, the Eighth Circuit issued a unanimous decision in Cricket Hollow's appeal of that case, that it can be a violation of the Endangered Species Act when captive animals aren't given proper care.

In several cases, animals held in poor conditions at roadside zoos have been transferred to sanctuaries, after the Animal Legal Defense Fund brought lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act.

State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals.

Here are some of the major ways that these jurisdictions are protecting wild captive animals under the law:

Restricting Private Parties From Keeping Wild Animals: Some states ban the keeping of wild and exotic animals. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. There were five such states until 2017, when South Carolina passed a law banning wild and exotic animals to be kept as pets. (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.)

In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. Local laws are often most effective in governing the private possession of exotic animals.

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Captive Animals - Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals.

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More tigers live in cages in this country, than exist in all the wild. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes.

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Today is World Wildlife Day and this year's theme "Listen to the Young Voices", is encouraging the future leaders and decision makers of the world to act to protect our amazing wildlife.

As young leaders, What Can YOU Do for Wild Animals In Captivity?

While zoos and aquariums can significantly contribute to the protection of animals and their habitats, poor animal welfare is linked to poor conservation and education.

Here are a few ideas on how you can ensure you have a positive impact when visiting a zoo and as a tourist.
Be an Animal-Friendly Tourist
Animal cruelty is often unintentionally fuelled through tourism. Many tourist activities involve the exploitation of animals and can fuel on-going cruelty. You can be a responsible tourist by ensuring your actions do not contribute to animal cruelty.

If you are planning a zoo visit when you next go on holiday, check to see if it is accredited.

Do not take part in animal photo or handling opportunities, like the ones often touted in city squares and non-accredited zoos. Many of these animals have been badly handled, or taken from their mothers early to be trained for your entertainment.

Do not buy products made from animals. This includes shells, seahorses, teeth and bones.

Avoid animal rides on non-domestic animals such as elephants. Often these animals are not well cared for, have ill-fitting equipment and suffer significantly during the 'breaking-in' process and throughout their lives. Even with domestic animals such as horses and donkeys, be questioning about how they are looked after.

DO look for positive animal-friendly tourist activities that are eco-friendly and that are supported by local animal welfare organisations.
Take the Palm Oil Pledge
Palm oil is in hundreds of products we are using every day. From food items to toiletries, it is used in many different bread, biscuit and chocolate brands and in shampoos and moisturisers. Southeast Asian rainforest in being cleared at an alarming rate, often illegally, to make way for unsustainable Palm Oil Plantations. This means habitat destruction. But you can help. Check your products for palm oil, choose alternatives or only buy items containing palm oil from sustainable producers.

Make a start with these helpful guides: Ethical Palm Oil Brands, Sustainable Palm Oil.

You can also enquire at your local zoo and if it has a Palm oil Campaign, find out how you can support it.
Report Wildlife Trafficking
Wildlife Witness is a smartphone app that allows you to do your bit and report wildlife trade. The illegal trade in wildlife is an international crisis, responsible for the loss and persecution of thousands of wild animal species globally. This simple app makes it possible for you to watch out for wildlife as you travel and help make a difference. Get the app here.

For more information visit our Ways To Help page and follow the conservation at #WorldWildlifeDay

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What Can YOU Do for Wild Animals In Captivity? | Wild Welfare

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Today is World Wildlife Day and this year's theme "Listen to the Young Voices", is encouraging the future leaders and decision makers of the world to act to protect our amazing wildlife. As young leaders, What Can YOU Do for Wild Animals In Captivity?

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Exploring the Impact of Tesla Cars on the Environment

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Exploring the Impact of Tesla Cars on the Environment

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Main topics:

In this article, we will explore the impact of Tesla electric cars on the environment.

The Advantages of Electric Cars

There are several advantages to using an electric car over a traditional gasoline-powered car. The most obvious benefit is the environmental impact. Electric cars produce zero emissions, meaning they contribute almost nothing to air pollution. This is especially important in urban areas where air quality is a big issue. Additionally, electric cars are much quieter than traditional cars, which can help reduce noise pollution.

Another advantage is the cost savings. While electric cars may have a higher upfront cost, they are significantly cheaper to run in the long run. Electric cars have lower fuel costs and require less maintenance compared to traditional cars. According to a study by Consumer Reports, electric cars cost an average of 50% less to maintain over a lifetime compared to gasoline-powered cars.

Finally, electric cars offer a better driving experience. They produce almost instant torque, meaning they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. Electric cars also have a lower center of gravity which makes them handle better than traditional cars. Additionally, they have fewer moving parts which means they are less likely to break down or require costly repairs.

Tesla's Impact on the Environment

Since Tesla's founding in 2003, the company has been committed to reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels. They see electric cars as a key part of that mission. One way Tesla is making an impact is by reducing the carbon footprint of its cars. According to Tesla's website, the Model S has a carbon footprint that is 53% smaller than the average gasoline-powered car. Additionally, according to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, electric vehicles in the US produce less than half the emissions of a gasoline car on average.

Tesla is also making an impact by promoting renewable energy. Through its SolarCity subsidiary, Tesla is helping homeowners and businesses install solar panels to generate their own electricity. This helps reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and can even result in excess energy that can be sold back to the grid. Tesla is also making strides in energy storage with its Powerwall and Powerpack products. These battery systems allow homeowners and businesses to store excess solar energy and use it when needed, further reducing their reliance on the grid.

Key Takeaways

Electric cars have several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars, including environmental benefits, cost savings, and a better driving experience.

Tesla is committed to reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels through its electric cars and renewable energy products.

Tesla's cars have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional gasoline cars and electric vehicles in general produce less emissions than gasoline cars.

Tesla's SolarCity subsidiary is helping promote renewable energy by installing solar panels on homes and businesses.

Tesla's Powerwall and Powerpack products allow homeowners and businesses to store excess solar energy and reduce their reliance on the grid.

Conclusion

Tesla has had a significant impact on the environment through its electric cars and renewable energy products. Electric cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars including environmental benefits, cost savings, and a better driving experience. Tesla is committed to reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels through its cars and renewable energy products. The impact of Tesla's innovation in the automotive industry cannot be understated, and it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to continued advancements in electric and renewable energy technology.

From Zero Emissions to Renewable Energy The Environmental Impact of Tesla Electric Cars

Tesla continues to dominate the market with its electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. In this article, we will discuss the environmental impact of Tesla electric cars and how they are changing the way we think about transportation and energy.

The Rise of Electric Cars

The rise of electric cars has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years. As the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment become more apparent, people are seeking alternative methods of transportation that have a lesser negative impact on our planet. This is where electric cars come in. The benefits of electric cars for the environment are plenty. For one, they do not emit any greenhouse gases, which is a huge contributor to global warming. Additionally, electric cars run on electricity that can be generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. Tesla is a company that has taken these benefits to heart and has worked towards achieving a sustainable future since its inception.

The Environmental Impact of Tesla Electric Cars

Tesla's electric cars have a significant impact on the environment, and it is one that is positive. Here are some of the environmental benefits of Tesla cars:

Zero Emissions: Tesla cars emit zero tailpipe emissions, which makes them the most environmentally friendly cars on the market.

Less dependence on fossil fuels: By driving a Tesla car, people can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Reduced carbon footprint: The use of electric cars reduces the carbon footprint of individuals and businesses that use them.

Better air quality: Electric cars reduce air pollution, which is particularly important in urban areas where air quality is often poor.

All of these benefits have a positive impact on the environment, and Tesla cars have already made a significant contribution in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Tesla's Renewable Energy Solutions

Tesla offers more than just electric cars; the company has ventured into renewable energy. Not only do they manufacture solar panels for homes and businesses, but they also have introduced Powerwall, a home battery storage system that enables homeowners to store energy from solar panels to use later when needed. Tesla's Powerpack is another solution that they offer, primarily used for commercial purposes. It is a large-scale energy storage system that supports the use of renewable energy sources. Because of these solutions, Tesla is leading the charge for renewable energy.

Conclusion

The world is changing, and so are our attitudes towards environmental sustainability. Tesla is a company that has taken this change to heart, creating electric cars that make a significant difference in the world. Tesla's contribution in the world of sustainable transportation and energy solutions has made a significant difference in promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Tesla's impact is not only felt by its customers but also by the environment as a whole. Electric cars are the future, and Tesla is leading the charge towards that future.

Key Takeaways

The Green Revolution Examining Tesla Role in the Fight Against Climate Change

Let's dive deeper into Tesla's mission and the impact of electric vehicles on the environment.

Tesla's Mission for a Sustainable Future

Tesla's founder, Elon Musk, has been vocal about his vision for a sustainable future. He believes that by accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy, we can reduce the risk of climate change and ensure that future generations have a livable planet. Tesla's mission is to create electric cars that are not just sustainable but also affordable for the masses. And they are getting closer to achieving this goal.

The Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Environment

The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounted for 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in 201 Electric vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce these emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Role of Tesla in the Fight Against Climate Change

Tesla is leading the charge in the fight against climate change by creating sustainable, electric vehicles. But the impact of Tesla goes beyond just selling cars. Let's take a look at some of the ways Tesla is contributing to a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

Tesla is more than just a car company. It is a key player in the green revolution and the fight against climate change. Here are some of the key takeaways from this article:

The green revolution is in full swing, and Tesla is leading the charge. By creating sustainable, electric cars and building a renewable energy ecosystem, Tesla is contributing to a more livable planet for future generations. As consumers, we have the power to support companies that are making a positive impact on the environment. Let's drive the change we want to see in the world.

Reimagining Transportation Tesla Electric Cars and Their Impact on Our Planet

Their electric cars have been a game-changer not just for the industry, but for the planet.

The Evolution of Tesla Electric Cars

Tesla was founded in 2003 by Elon Musk with the aim of revolutionizing the automotive industry. Their first car, the Tesla Roadster, was released in 2008, and was an immediate hit. It had an impressive range of 245 miles per charge, which made it the first electric car to go beyond 200 miles on a single charge. Tesla has since released several other models, including the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, each more advanced and efficient than the last.

One of Tesla's main selling points is their battery technology. They use lithium-ion batteries, which have a higher energy density and a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries. Moreover, Tesla's batteries are modular, allowing them to be easily swapped or replaced as needed.

The Benefits of Owning a Tesla Electric Car

Owning a Tesla electric car comes with numerous benefits, especially when compared to traditional gasoline cars. Here are some of the key advantages:

Better for the environment - Electric cars emit zero emissions and do not contribute to air pollution or climate change like traditional fossil fuel cars do.

Lower operating costs - Charging an electric car is significantly cheaper than buying gasoline, resulting in lower maintenance and operating costs per mile driven.

Less noise pollution - Electric cars are much quieter than gasoline cars, resulting in a more peaceful driving experience.

Increased safety - Tesla electric cars have received top safety ratings and have numerous safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, collision avoidance, and lane departure warnings.

Tesla Electric Cars: Impact on Our Planet

Tesla electric cars have certainly played a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. According to a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation, in 2018, electric cars emitted an average of 73 grams of CO2 per mile, compared to 385 grams per mile for traditional gasoline cars. By reducing emissions, electric cars are helping to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

Furthermore, Tesla has been instrumental in accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Not only do they manufacture electric cars, but they also produce solar panels and batteries, which allows homes and businesses to store and use clean energy. Tesla's approach is focused on creating a fully integrated system of sustainable energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tesla electric cars have had a groundbreaking impact on the automotive industry and the planet as a whole. They have challenged the traditional model of transportation and redefined what is possible. With their innovative technology and commitment to sustainable energy, Tesla is leading the way towards a cleaner and more secure future.

A Sustainable Future How Tesla Electric Cars are Changing the Game

But Tesla's impact goes beyond just producing electric cars. It has also changed the game in terms of sustainability, innovation, and design.

Revolutionizing Sustainability

One of the biggest reasons why Tesla and electric cars, in general, have become so popular is because of their sustainability factor. Traditional cars that run on gasoline emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Electric vehicles (EVs), on the other hand, are powered by electricity, which can be generated using renewable sources like solar or wind power. This means that EVs have zero tailpipe emissions and are much better for the environment.

Innovative Technology

Tesla's electric cars have also revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing innovative technologies that were unheard of before. Tesla's Model S was the first electric car to have a range of over 200 miles on a single charge, making it a viable option for long-distance travel. The Model S also has several features that make it more technologically advanced than gasoline-powered cars.

Beautiful Design

Tesla's cars are not only sustainable and innovative, they also look beautiful. Tesla's designs are sleek, stylish, and futuristic, which has attracted a lot of attention from car enthusiasts and the general public alike. Tesla's approach to design is to make cars that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Key Takeaways

Tesla's electric cars have changed the game in terms of sustainability, innovation, and design. They have paved the way for a future that is cleaner, safer, and more efficient.

With their focus on sustainability, innovation, and beautiful design, Tesla Electric Cars are driving the automotive industry towards a sustainable future.

Beyond Gasoline A Look at the Environmental Benefits of Tesla Electric Cars

What Makes Tesla Electric Cars Stand Out?

Tesla electric cars are not just another car on the road. They have distinctive features that set them apart from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Here are a few key features of Tesla electric cars:

Zero Emissions: Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles that emit harmful pollutants into the air, Tesla electric cars run on electricity, producing zero emissions.

Long Range: Tesla electric cars have a long driving range, allowing drivers to travel over 300 miles on a single charge.

Quick Acceleration: Tesla electric cars are known for their quick acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.

Autopilot: Tesla electric cars have advanced autopilot features that make driving safer and more enjoyable.

The Environmental Benefits of Tesla Electric Cars

While Tesla electric cars have many impressive features, their most significant benefit lies in their positive impact on the environment. Here are a few ways that Tesla electric cars help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change:

Zero Emissions: As mentioned earlier, Tesla electric cars produce zero emissions. This means that they do not emit any harmful pollutants into the air, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxides. As a result, Tesla electric cars have a much smaller carbon footprint than gasoline-powered vehicles.

Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Tesla electric cars run on electricity, which can be generated from a variety of sources, including renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. By using renewable energy to power our vehicles, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Improved Air Quality: In areas with high levels of air pollution, Tesla electric cars can help improve air quality. According to a recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, driving a Tesla electric car in the United States produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than driving a gasoline-powered car in every state, even when the electricity used to charge the car is generated from coal-fired power plants.

No Oil Spills: Oil spills have devastating effects on the environment, contaminating waterways and harming marine life. By using Tesla electric cars, we can reduce our reliance on oil and prevent oil spills from happening.

Key Takeaways

Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind when considering Tesla electric cars:

The Future of Tesla Electric Cars

With Tesla leading the charge in electric vehicle technology, the future looks bright for environmentally conscious transportation. According to a recent report by BloombergNEF, electric vehicles are projected to reach cost parity with gasoline-powered vehicles by 202 This means that more people will be able to afford electric vehicles, making them a viable option for everyday transportation.

The bottom line is that Tesla electric cars offer a unique combination of style, performance, and environmental consciousness. Whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, improve air quality, or simply enjoy a superior driving experience, Tesla electric cars are the way to go.

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Exploring the Impact of Tesla Electric Cars on the Environment

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When it comes to innovation in the automotive industry, Tesla is a company that is at the forefront of the industry. Known for their electric cars, Tesla has revolutionized the way we think about driving, energy usage, and the environment as a whole.

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The shocking number of animal cruelty cases reported every day is just the tip of the iceberg-most cases are never reported. Unlike violent crimes against people, cases of animal abuse are not compiled by state or federal agencies, making it difficult to calculate just how common they are. However, we can use the information that is available to try to understand and prevent cases of abuse.

Who abuses animals?

Cruelty and neglect cross all social and economic boundaries and media reports suggest that animal abuse is common in both rural and urban areas.

Intentional cruelty to animals is strongly correlated with other crimes, including violence against people.

Hoarding behavior often victimizes animals. Sufferers of a hoarding disorder may impose severe neglect on animals by housing far more than they are able to adequately take care of. Serious animal neglect (such as hoarding) is often an indicator of people in need of social or mental health services.

Surveys suggest that those who intentionally abuse animals are predominantly men under 30, while those involved in animal hoarding are more likely to be women over 60.

Most common victims

The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock. Undercover investigations have revealed that animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry. But because of the weak protections afforded to livestock under state cruelty laws, only the most shocking cases are reported, and few are ever prosecuted.

Organized cruelty

Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty go hand in hand with other crimes, and continues in many areas of the United States due to public corruption.

The HSUS documented uniformed police officers at a cockfighting pit in Kentucky.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has prosecuted multiple cases where drug cartels were running narcotics through cockfighting and dogfighting operations.

Dozens of homicides have occurred at cockfights and dogfights.

A California man was killed in a disagreement about a $10 cockfight bet.

The HSUS's investigative team combats complacent public officials and has worked with the FBI on public corruption cases in Tennessee and Virginia. In both instances, law enforcement officers were indicted and convicted.

Correlation with domestic violence

Data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses.

There are approximately 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats in the U.S. where 20 men and women are assaulted per minute (an average of around 10 million a year).

In one survey, 71 % of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.

In one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88 % of the families under supervision for physical abuse of their children.

To put a stop to this pattern of violence, the Humane Society Legislative Fund supported the Pets and Women's Safety (PAWS) Act, introduced to Congress in 2015 as H.R. 1258 and S.B. 1559 and enacted as part of the farm bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in 2018. Once fully enacted, the PAWS Act helps victims of domestic abuse find the means to escape their abusers while keeping their companion animals safe-many victims remain in abusive households for fear of their pets' safety.

State legislative trends

The HSUS has long led the push for stronger animal cruelty laws and provides training for law officials to detect and prosecute these crimes. With South Dakota joining the fight in March of 2014, animal cruelty laws now include felony provisions in all 50 states.

First vs. subsequent offense

Given that a fraction of animal cruelty acts are reported or successfully prosecuted, we are committed to supporting felony convictions in cases of severe cruelty.

49 states have laws to provide felony penalties for animal torture on the first offense.

Only Iowa doesn't have such a law.

Animal cruelty laws typically cover intentional and egregious animal neglect and abuse.

Changes in federal tracking

On January 1, 2016, the FBI added cruelty to animals as a category in the Uniform Crime Report, a nationwide crime reporting system commonly used in homicide investigations. While only about a third of U.S. communities currently participate in the system, the data generated will help create a clearer picture of animal abuse and guide strategies for intervention and enforcement. Data collection covers four categories: simple/gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture, organized abuse (such as dogfighting and cockfighting) and animal sexual abuse.

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Facts, statistics and trends of animal abuse, animal cruelty and abused animals in the U.S.

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Facts you should know:

Anti-cruelty laws exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia

Anti-cruelty laws differ on a state-by-state basis

All cats should be protected under anti-cruelty laws, regardless of ownership

There is a link between violence to animals and violence to people

Alley Cat Allies advocates for stronger anti-cruelty laws and enforcement of existing laws

Anti-cruelty laws exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and all include felony provisions. Yet far too often, these laws don't provide penalties that are consistent with the severity of the crime, or the justice system fails to enforce them.

It's important to remember that anti-cruelty laws exist for a reason: animal cruelty offenders are a threat to the health and safety of all members of our communities. Violence against animals is abhorrent in and of itself, and the link between violence against animals and violence against people is well understood.

For the sake of both animals and humans, animal cruelty is unacceptable and cannot be ignored.

Alley Cat Allies stands against all acts of cruelty to cats. Learn more about our work at alleycat.org/Anti-Cruelty

Animal Cruelty and the Law

Anti-cruelty laws are crucial and must protect every cat, whether the cat is a pet, stray, or an unowned community cat (also called feral cats). When those laws are broken, justice must be pursued.

It seems simple, but many states lack laws that fully protect cats or the enforcement of those laws.

While every state has animal protection laws that prohibit the most egregious acts of violence against dogs and cats, most laws need to be strengthened to create harsher penalties and expanded to apply to any act of cruelty against an animal. Laws that are in place must also be better enforced by local officials to be effective. In some cases, enforcement does not happen at all.

That is why Alley Cat Allies advocates for stronger anti-cruelty laws and enforcement policies in every community.

What's the Law?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws criminalizing acts of cruelty toward animals and include felony animal cruelty provisions. While all of these laws cover cats, either directly or through the definition of "animal" in the statute, certain states have increased protections and penalties for pet cats versus unowned cats. Some states do not make it clear that community cats are protected by the law the way pet cats are. That needs to change.

For example, some states expressly criminalize killing under their animal cruelty laws, while others do not. Some states specifically criminalize the killing of animals within the context of three conditions: the mental state of the actor (was the killing caused by negligence? Was it intentional? Was it malicious?), the manner of the animal's death (did this form of death cause unusual or extensive suffering?), or the purpose for which the animal was killed (some laws allow for extermination of unowned animals in specific circumstances, whereas the same conduct against a pet is a crime).

All states have exemptions to their anti-cruelty laws which often apply to certain professions (veterinarians, animal control officers, persons involved in population control, animal shelters, humane societies, or similar institutions).Exemptions also apply to accepted practices of activities such as animal slaughter, research, hunting, fishing, animal husbandry, and rodeos, or to protect a human or a human's property.

What about Federal Animal Cruelty Laws?

Many people wonder if animal cruelty is a federal felony. In 2019 the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act or PACT Act was signed into law, making certain acts of animal cruelty a federal crime. Violating the PACT Act is punishable by a prison term up to seven years, a fine, or both.

Defining Animal Cruelty

It is important to remember that legal definitions of "cruelty" or "cruel killing" do not always match our own ideas. State laws often do not characterize a quick or "humane" death as animal cruelty, even in cases that seem gruesome and outrageous to us. While each anti-cruelty law characterizes animal cruelty differently, the acts that are typically included are killing, injuring, torturing, neglecting, overworking, and abandoning an animal.

Killing an animal as an act of cruelty may seem self-explanatory, but there are numerous exceptions. For example, millions of animals are killed in animal shelters each year. Though what these shelters do is not considered animal cruelty under the law, Alley Cat Allies does not support the killing of animals in any circumstance unless they are euthanized because they are terminally ill or untreatably injured. Learn more about the difference between euthanasia and killing at alleycat.org/euthanasia.

Injuring an animal may also appear self-explanatory, but such acts can be hard to investigate. Oftentimes, an illegal injury to an animal is only discovered by a veterinarian who can tell the difference between an accidental and intentional wound.

Definitions of torture differ significantly. For example, in Texas, torture includes any act that causes unjustifiable pain or suffering, while in Utah, torture means intentionally causing or inflicting extreme physical pain to an animal in an especially heinous, atrocious, cruel, or exceptionally depraved manner. Utah's specific standards for what constitutes 'torture' make it harder both to prove that torture of an animal occurred and to punish the perpetrator.

The definition of neglect in anti-cruelty laws varies. Typically neglect is when a person who owns or has custody of an animal fails to provide adequate care for the animal￼. ￼￼Anti-cruelty law has a list of neglectful acts that are related to animal restraint, veterinary care, keeping animals outside, and providing food or drink.

Overworking animals-also referred to as overdriving or overloading-typically refers to the abuse of and lack of care provided to working animals. When the first anti-cruelty law was passed in 1866, overworking horses used for transportation was a major concern of animal advocates.

Abandonment generally refers to an owner or custodian leaving the animal without providing for the animal's proper care or without making reasonable arrangements for custody with another person. The purpose is to prohibit people from putting their pets outdoors permanently when the pets are accustomed to living with and being cared for by people indoors. Learn more about why TNR does not constitute animal abandonment.

Oftentimes, regardless of how the law is written, a cat's status as owned or unowned can wrongly determine how seriously a cruelty case is taken, and how it is investigated and prosecuted (or if it is at all). That is why Alley Cat Allies advocates for all cats to be equally valued and protected under animal cruelty laws, whether they live indoors with people or are unowned community cats who live outdoors.

Finding Your State's Anti-Cruelty Laws

Since the United States' anti-cruelty laws vary by state, we recommend that you research your state's specific anti-cruelty laws so you have a better understanding of how animals are protected where you live. There may also be local laws that, directly or indirectly, have a negative impact on the protection and humane treatment of cats. In these cases, compassionate people like you need to advocate to change or repeal them.

To locate your local anti-cruelty laws, check out our Cats and the Law: Finding and Understanding Your Laws resource at alleycat.org/FindingLaws.

Violence Has Many Victims

Society must remain vigilant against every act of violence inflicted on any victim. Animal cruelty should always be investigated, prosecuted, and penalized to the fullest extent of the law. Anti-cruelty laws are among many types of laws designed to protect society from violent people. In fact, anti-cruelty laws, which were first enacted in the late 1800s and established to protect animals from human violence regardless of ownership, led to the creation of child abuse laws and then, in the 20th century, elder abuse laws.

Unfortunately, even in states with robust anti-cruelty laws, enforcement remains the largest obstacle to reducing animal cruelty. Police officers and prosecutors sometimes fail to recognize that animal cruelty is a serious crime that negatively impacts the larger community. Even those who want to punish offenders may face a lack of evidence to pursue charges.

The Link Between Violence Against Animals and Violence Against People

Years of extensive scientific research reveals the link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans - specifically children, domestic partners, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals.

For example, according to Frank R. Ascione's report for the U.S. Department of Justice, " Animal Abuse and Youth Violence," animal abuse may be a result of childhood experiences in nearly two in three violent adult offenders. There is also evidence to suggest that some animal cruelty offenders are extending the pattern of violence they see as children. As explained in Dr. Randall Lockwood's paper, "Cruelty Towards Cats: Changing Perspectives," those who grow up in a household where animals are abused feel safe and in control "by inflicting pain and suffering on themselves and others."

There are also studies of domestic violence cases that have shown a correlation between violence against spouses or partners and violence against pets. Offenders may abuse a partner's pet to threaten or control them or inflict violence on both victims at the same time. For example, in a six-year study conducted in 11 U.S. metropolitan cities, pet abuse is found to be one of four predictors of domestic partner violence. Furthermore, in a national survey of U.S. shelters for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, 85 percent of women and 63 percent of children who came to the shelter reported incidents of animal abuse in their homes.

To learn more about the link between cruelty to animals and other forms of violence, please visit the National Link Coalition's website at www.nationallinkcoalition.org.

What You Can Do to Stop Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty offenders are a threat to the health and safety of all members of our communities. For the sake of both people and animals, it is critical that we take every instance of animal cruelty seriously.

Learn how to join Alley Cat Allies in advocating for stronger anti-cruelty laws, and how to approach cases of animal cruelty in your community or that you witness, at alleycat.org/Anti-Cruelty.

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Animal Cruelty Facts: Understanding the Law and the Link

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Facts you should know: Anti-cruelty laws exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia Anti-cruelty laws differ on a state-by-state basis All cats should be protected under anti-cruelty laws, regardless of ownership There is a link between violence to animals and violence to people Alley Cat Allies advocates for stronger anti-cruelty laws and enforcement of existing laws Anti-cruelty laws exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and all include felony provisions.

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If you think someone you know is abusing animals, please speak up. The best thing you can do is report your suspicions of abuse or neglect to the appropriate enforcement authorities in your location. Read on for more information about how to recognize and report animal abuse and neglect in your area.

Where to Report Animal Cruelty

In New York City
If you live in New York City and want to report suspected animal abuse or neglect, please contact 311 or for crimes in progress, call 911.

In Other Areas
For other areas outside of New York City, if you witness a crime in progress, call 911. If you suspect someone is abusing or neglecting animals, contact the agency responsible for enforcing the animal-related laws where you believe the abuse to be occurring. That may be the local police, animal control, SPCA or other local humane organization. If you are unsure who to contact, you can contact your local police or animal control to find out, or you can refer to other online resources, such as nationallinkcoalition.org.

When reporting suspicion of animal cruelty, it is best to have as much information as possible. Examples of useful information include:

A concise, written, factual statement of your observations. Be sure to include the dates and/or times of your observations whenever possible.

The names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the situation and are willing to speak with law enforcement.

Any photographs or videos of the alleged abuse or neglect. These photos or videos should only be taken from a location where you are lawfully allowed to be, such as a street or other public place. You should never trespass on private property for the purposes of trying to take photos or videos.

While it is possible to file an anonymous report, the case is more likely to be pursued when there are credible witnesses willing to stand behind the report and, if necessary, testify in court.

Once you do make a report, it is a good idea to keep a record of your report. This includes who you spoke with, the date on which you made the report, copies of any documents you provided, and a summary of what law enforcement or animal control told you would happen next. If you do not receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, it is okay to make a polite follow-up call to inquire about the progress of the investigation.

How to Recognize Animal Cruelty

A finding of animal cruelty is ultimately a legal determination and depends on the laws where you live. However, animal cruelty generally falls into two types of categories: intentional acts of harm inflicted upon an animal, and acts of neglect, such as failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, shelter or veterinary care. Ultimately, determining whether someone committed an act of cruelty against an animal depends upon a complete investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The below physical and environmental conditions can raise concerns of animal cruelty.

A person striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.

Extreme thinness or emaciation-bones may be visible.

A tight collar that has caused a wound or has become embedded in the animal's neck.

Signs of an illness or injury that is not being treated, including open wounds or broken bones.

Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites.

Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur or overgrown nails that interfere with the animal's ability to walk or otherwise function normally.

For signs of dogfighting, please see our additional information.

Animals confined outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water.

Animals confined outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter.

Animals confined to a space that is littered with feces, urine, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them.

Animals confined in kennels or cages that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements or have sufficient access to food, water or protection from the elements.

Other Animal Cruelty Issues

If you see cruelty depicted online or have first-hand knowledge that a website is displaying or promoting criminal acts, there are steps you can take to report the site or images in question:

First, it is best to document as much information as you can about the content, including what is being depicted and who is posting it. To help document what is posted, it can be helpful to take screenshots of the offensive content, including any comments or other postings that may shed light on who is responsible for making the content or posting it online, as well as when it occurred.

You can then report the content to your local police or, if you are able to tell where the posting took place, the police in that area.

You can also file a complaint with the FBI by posting it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Lastly, you can also alert your local or national news media of the posting, as the power of the media to bring public attention to an animal abuse situation can help initiate corrective actions.

The ASPCA shares your concern about the media's depiction of violence and cruelty toward animals for entertainment purposes. Please know, however, that many of these instances are constitutionally protected free speech-and may not even involve a real animal.

If you are offended by something you viewed, contact the network that aired the program or the publisher of the film in question. You may also wish to contact the American Humane Association Movie and Television Unit online or at (818) 501-0123.

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Recognizing and Reporting Animal Cruelty and Neglect

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If you think someone you know is abusing animals, please speak up. The best thing you can do is report your suspicions of cruelty to your local law enforcement agency, humane organization, animal control agency or taxpayer-funded animal shelter. Read on for more information about how to recognize and report cruelty in your area.