Introducing farm animal welfare into secondary school curricula builds public understanding and shapes future consumer behaviour, farming practice, and policy. Educational approaches that engage authentically with welfare science are most effective.
Building welfare literacy in young people before they establish adult consumer habits and form political views represents a high-leverage educational investment. Young people who understand animal sentience, the conditions of modern farming, and the power of consumer choices are better equipped to make informed decisions throughout their lives. Integrating welfare science into education creates long-term systemic change.