By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album

Reviewed by Linda B. Bobroff, Ph.D., RD, LD/N, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida

This post is in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 11-17) and Food Allergy Action Month (May). Visit the Food Allergy Research and Education Facebook page to learn more.

A friend of mine has children with serious food allergies, and while she rises to the challenge valiantly (even bringing her own cupcakes to birthday parties), at times it’s been a trial. About 4% of children today have food allergies, an 18% rise over the last ten years. While scientists aren’t sure why allergies have become more common, what we do know is that these conditions affect the daily lives of many children.

The Threat

Sadly, it seems they sometimes also provide an opening for bullies. Researchers recently surveyed over 350 food-allergic children and their parents to learn more about their experiences with being bullied or teased because of their allergies. Almost a quarter of children reported experiencing such harassment. The bullying usually took place at school, and for most, it happened more than once. Although much of the teasing was verbal, over half of respondents said they’d also experienced physical teasing involving their allergen—for example, other children waved the food at the child, threw it at the child, or even contaminated the child’s food with it. And troublingly, children reported that about 20% of teasing incidents were perpetrated by a teacher or school staff member.

What to Do?

Although teasing is sometimes seen as just another part of childhood, we know that it can cause long-term emotional consequences. In cases where it involves food to which a child is allergic, it can even be dangerous. Children and school staff alike can benefit from education about food allergies and programs that reduce destructive teasing and bullying. The sites below offer important resources for parents and schools to help prevent and cope with allergy-related bullying and other emotional concerns related to food allergies.

(Photo credit: Peanuts in the Shell by Vivid Image. CC BY 2.0.)

Further Reading

Food Allergy Bullying: It’s Not a Joke

Be a PAL: Protect a Life–Info for kids on how to be a good friend to a child with a food allergy

Tips for Addressing and Preventing Food Allergy Bullying

Food Allergy Resources: Emotional and Social Issues

Reference:

Lieberman, J. A., Weiss, C., Furlong, T. J., Sicherer, M., & Sicherer, S. H. (2010). Bullying among pediatric patients with food allergy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 105(4), 282-286.

(Originally published in a slightly different form as: Church, C. (2010). Bullying of food-allergic children. [Radio broadcast episode]. Family Album Radio. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida.)

0