This study investigates the impact of humane education on fostering empathy and compassion towards animals within the Indian adolescent population. It addresses the escalating concerns surrounding animal cruelty and its broader societal implications. Humane education, rooted in kindness and respect, emphasizes environmental and social justice, aiming to instill a sense of coexistence with all living beings.
The research involved 100 students, aged 14 to 18 years old, from two schools. One school incorporated humane education practices, such as environmental and animal welfare activities, into their curriculum. The other school did not have similar exposure. Standardized tools were used to measure empathy and compassion. The findings revealed a significant improvement in compassion levels among the students exposed to humane education. While there was also an increase in empathy, this difference was not statistically significant. These results highlight the potential of humane education to influence action-oriented behaviors, such as compassion, more profoundly than emotional understanding.
This study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating humane education into school curricula. By addressing aggression and fostering kindness early in a child’s development, this approach offers a proactive solution for preventing future antisocial behaviors associated with animal cruelty. Beyond its impact on individual development, this approach contributes to broader societal benefits. These benefits include enhanced interpersonal relationships, reduced violence, and increased environmental awareness.
These findings suggest that policymakers, educators, and psychologists should consider adopting humane education as a central strategy for developing compassionate citizens and promoting harmonious coexistence. Through structured programs, schools can significantly influence students’ personal growth and societal well-being, thereby fostering a kinder and more empathetic future.