Growing up with a pet can provide educational, emotional, and social benefits for children and teens, according to a study.
Children and young people who have pets tend to develop higher self-esteem, be less lonely and improve their social skills. This research supports arguments that household pets can contribute to healthy child development.
“Everyone who has grown up with and loved a pet naturally perceives the value of their company,” said Dr. Carri Westgarth, project leader. “The scientific evidence investigating the benefits in childhood and adolescent development are promising. We dig deep into that evidence in order to understand the most obvious potential benefits. Ultimately, this will allow us to know more about the way pets they provide emotional, educational and social support to the youngest. “
The University of Liverpool studies and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health was funded by the WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition, part of Mars Petcare, and was led by Dr. Carri Westgarth of the Institute for Infections and Global Health. The research team conducted an in-depth review and quality assessment of studies investigating the effects of pet ownership on the emotional, formative, or behavioral development of children and adolescents.
“Crucial ages for the pet’s positive impact on self-esteem appear to be higher in children younger than 6 years, and in preteens and teens 10 years and older. Dogs and cats are generally regarded as the best providers of social support, perhaps because of their superior level of interaction and being reciprocal compared to other pets, “said Rebecca Purewal, lead author.
“In both western and non-western cultures, pets provide some psychological support, helping younger people feel good about themselves and have a positive image of themselves.” ” Patterns between subpopulations and age groups indicate that companion animal have the potential to promote healthy child and adolescent development,” said WALTHAM researcher Nancy Gee, who is co-author of the study. “It is an exciting field, where there is still much to learn about the processes by which having a pet can promote healthy child development.”