Veganism for Teens

When we animal rights activists show footage of farms or slaughterhouses, it's pretty common for teens to laugh, shout "bacon," or make gagging noises. We know this tends to happen because no one wants to look weak in front of their friends, especially when peer pressure is so strong. But let’s hit pause for a few minutes and think a bit deeper about all this.

As children, many of us had a huge love for animals. We were fascinated by them, eager to learn about them, and often felt a deep sense of connection when we were around them. Think about how excited you were to visit a zoo, watch animals at a park, or even just play with a family pet. That early bond we form with animals is rooted in a sense of wonder, empathy, and an instinctive understanding that animals, like us, are living beings with feelings.

However, as we grow up, society teaches us a different narrative. We’re told that it’s normal to eat animals and use them for our purposes. Terms like "free-range," "humane slaughter," or "organic" are introduced to soften the reality of where our food comes from. These phrases make it easier to leave our innate love for animals behind. Over time, this conditioning leads us to accept practices that, if we truly thought about them, might deeply disturb us.

But let’s get real—watching animals suffer isn’t actually funny, is it? You have to admit, you need to be a certain level of screwed up to really find that funny. I mean, just imagine yourself in the animals place. And I mean really imagine it. Picture being trapped in a small cage, squashed up against hundreds if not thousands of other kids, unable to move, with no control over your life. You’re beaten and abused and your body is used like a machine for as long as you’re alive, before you have your throat slit at the age you are now, when you’ve still got decades left to live. If that were happening to you or someone you cared about, would it still be something to joke about? Imagine the fear, the helplessness, and the agony that animals go through every day in these places.

Would it be easy to dismiss or joke about if the suffering was yours? The truth is, our laughter or dismissive comments often come from a place of discomfort—an attempt to distance ourselves from the harsh reality that what we’re seeing is wrong. It’s a defense mechanism to protect ourselves from feeling guilty or complicit.

But true strength lies in facing these uncomfortable truths, not in mocking them. It takes courage to question the norms we’ve been taught and to empathize with those who are suffering, even when it’s easier to go along with the crowd for the sake of keeping your street credibility. It’s important to recognize that animals, like us, have the capacity to feel pain, fear, and distress. They deserve our compassion, not our ridicule.

So let’s just take veganism seriously for a few minutes and look at how you can help animals.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is a lifestyle where people avoid all animal products, not just meat. This means no cows milk, eggs, bee honey or items like leather and wool. We also avoid animal-tested cosmetics. But that doesn’t mean we live on rabbit food or grass. Instead, we vegans just tend to eat alternatives to all these things, like mock meats, oat milk, vegan cheese, tofu, bee-less honey and use synthetic leather instead of real leather and so on. Some vegans do like to eat whole-foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Everyone is different, and just like it is with non-vegans, it’s all about your personal preferences.

People go vegan for the animals, because we don't want them to suffer or be killed for food, clothing, or any other product; because we believe that all living beings deserve kindness and respect.

You may also have heard of people going plant-based - which is similar to veganism, but not the same, in the sense that these people may eat a diet that consists primarily or entirely of foods derived from plants, either for health reasons or environmental concerns, but they may not necessarily avoid animal products in other areas of their lives. For example, someone on a plant-based diet might still still wear leather or use cosmetics that are not cruelty-free.

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle as a teenager can be challenging, especially when your parents or guardians are reluctant to incorporate new dietary choices into their already hectic lifestyle and often tightly budgeted food shops. However, there are several things you can to to show them that it means a lot you.

Educate Yourself and Your Family

Start by educating yourself about veganism. Resources like books, vegan documentaries, and reputable websites (like this one!) or even particular social media influencers and YouTubers can provide a wealth of information. Share this knowledge with your family. Sometimes, reluctance comes from a lack of understanding, or misconceptions about veganism. By presenting facts and showing how a balanced vegan diet is not only the only ethical way to live, but healthier and better for the planet, you may alleviate some of their concerns.

Communicate Openly and Respectfully

Have an open and honest conversation with your parents or guardians about your desire to go vegan. It can be hard if your parents are completely against the idea. It can be incredibly painful or frustrating, but it’s important to explain your reasons clearly and politely.
Use "I" statements to express your feelings, such as "I’ve been looking it up a lot recently and I feel really strongly about animal rights now because …" or "I believe a vegan diet will be healthier for me because ..." This approach can help avoid making them feel defensive or criticized​.

Offer to Help with Meal Preparation

One effective way to ease your parents' concerns is by offering to help with meal preparation. Learning to cook your own vegan meals not only shows your commitment but also shows maturity and reduces the burden on your parents. Start with simple recipes that are easy to prepare. There are countless vegan food bloggers online and so many vegan food YouTube channels and Instagram foodies that will make it super easy for you.

Plan and Budget for Your Meals

If your parents are concerned about the cost of a vegan diet, you can offer to help plan and budget for your meals. Show them that vegan ingredients can be affordable and that you can create a weekly meal plan within the family's budget. Highlighting budget-friendly staples like beans, lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables can help demonstrate that veganism doesn’t have to be expensive.​

I understand that many of you might think veganism is too expensive or too time-consuming, especially when you're trying to juggle work and tuition, as well as ever-rising rent and other living expenses. But let me assure you, eating a vegan diet can be both budget-friendly and delicious. The key is to focus on whole, plant-based foods and avoid getting caught up in pricey specialty items. You can enjoy a varied, nutritious diet without breaking the bank by embracing staples like grains, beans, lentils, vegetables, and fruits.

Think about it: beans, rice, pasta, and seasonal veggies are some of the most affordable and nutritious foods out there. By buying in bulk and taking advantage of sales, you can keep your costs very low. Batch cooking will save you money and time. Or, you could take advantage of one of the many companies that now deliver wholesome vegan ready-meals or meal-kits to your door, like the ones listed here and here. Just imagine having your meals ready to go for the week, freeing up more time for studying or hanging out with friends.

To help you get started, here are some more fantastic resources:

Hmm… but I’m a Student and
Veganism is Expensive

Okay, I Get It, but I Still Live With My Parents