1 In 3 Children Is Bullied Because Of Their Food Allergies

When kids with food allergies are bullied, it has the potential to be life-threatening. According to Allergic Living, roughly one-third of children and teens with food allergies report they’ve been taunted, teased, threatened and, in some cases, had life-threatening allergens thrust in their faces, or even slipped into their lunch boxes surreptitiously.

In 2013, a Mount Sinai Medical Center study found that almost HALF of parents were unaware their children felt they had been bullied due to their allergies.

The repercussions for children targeted by bullies can be substantial. Not only could they potentially consume a life-threatening allergen, researchers have found children who are targeted by bullies have higher levels of anxiety and a lower quality of life. (They did far better when their parents were aware of the bullying). Surveys also have revealed that children receiving unwanted attention about their allergies had more trouble managing the allergy, and were less likely to wear medical identification.

Have you talked to your kids about food allergy bullying?

Psychologist Dr. Linda Herbert says it's best to set the stage for open communication before trouble arises. "Make it a habit to talk about your day, and to ask a child open-ended questions about theirs," she says. "That way, it will be easier to notice a change in attitude or behavior. Sudden anxiety about going to school, or the child changing whom she or he eats lunch with could be signs that something is wrong."

Source: Allergic Living