November 5, 2020

How to Help Your Child Deal with Food Allergy Bullying

How to help your child deal with this growing problem

upset girl holding peanut

As hard as it is to believe, bullying happens to kids with specific food allergies, especially at school. Sometimes they might even describe being chased around the playground by classmates waving threatening food in their faces or hiding it in their lunches.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

And sometimes comments children hear from adults are experienced as bullying and may contribute to the social challenges, says pediatric psychologist Wendy Hahn, PsyD. “For example, a teacher may say, ‘Well, we can’t have a party because this student has a food allergy’,” she adds.

It’s a harsh reality often faced by children with food allergies. However, as Dr. Hahn points out, there are ways for children to cope and it requires attention and interaction from parents.

On the rise

Nearly 6 million children in the United States have food allergies. That equates to 1 in 13, or roughly two in every classroom, says the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization.

With the growing number of children and families affected by food allergies, the quality of life for an increasing number of families can be significantly impacted, which includes concerns related to bullying experiences, says Dr. Hahn. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found about one-third of children with food allergies experienced bullying because of their medical condition.

For those with food allergies, Food allergy bullying is associated with a life-threatening experience. The subsequent anxiety can significantly impact a child’s functioning and some examples may include school avoidance, academic underachievement, stomachaches, headaches, insomnia, and depression and social isolation. Out of fear, a child may also avoid eating.

For those children with food allergies, 40% have had a severe life-threatening episode. Says Dr. Hahn, “Though it may be difficult to understand for someone who has not had a food allergy, bullying related to food can have severe consequences.”

Advertisement

How parents can help

The key to stopping this problem is communication, Dr. Hahn says. Studies have found that about half of children who experience bullying have never told their parents. But when they do talk about it, they feel better and their quality of life improves.

Questions you might ask your child include: Is anything going on at school that bothers you? Has anyone teased you about your food allergies?

Watch for signs of bullying from various sources, including siblings and friends, and talk to teachers, caregivers, and other parents about any concerns. As Dr. Hahn points notes, children improve when parents are aware and supportive.

The Food Allergy Research & Education website offers fact sheets, videos and other helpful materials that parents can share with school administrators and others to help manage their child’s food allergies when they’re away from home.

How do schools handle food allergies?

The most common food allergies for children are peanuts, milk, wheat, eggs, soy and seafood.

For younger children, eating at a designated “food allergy table” makes sense because children often are messy. Peanut butter and milk, for instance, could easily end up in the wrong hands and mouths.

Advertisement

As children enter middle school, though, sitting at such a table may cause more anxiety, especially as social pressures mount. “At some schools, there can be a social stigma attached, and children can feel socially isolated or different from their peers,” Dr. Hahn says. “At other schools, the child can bring a friend. It’s all in the way that schools present it.”

5 steps children can take

You may teach your child early on about the dangers of eating a food allergen, but they also need to know how to act in the face of harassment from bullies — especially when parents aren’t around.

Dr. Hahn recommends these five tips for children:

  1. Stay calm, stand tall, be assertive and forcefully tell the bully to stop.
  2. Immediately contact the teacher or an adult in charge
  3. Have a buddy system in place for support, and when going into situations where food allergy bullying may be more likely to happen, stay near a supportive friend. Having a friend who will stick up for you can be helpful.
  4. Put together an action plan for an allergic reaction, such as carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
  5. Inform your parent as soon as possible about bullying incidents.

Sharing these tips allows you to give your child a plan of action so they know the steps to take if a problem develops. Getting the issue of food allergy bullying out in the open not only helps empower your child but also helps spread awareness.

Related Articles

Are Food Allergies Causing Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?
November 2, 2022
Are Food Allergies Causing Your Baby’s Diaper Rash?

It’s likely a short-term sensitivity (not an allergy) to acidic foods

bacteria on lettuce
September 8, 2021
Why Are Foods Recalled? What You Need to Know

The short answer from a wellness dietitian

woman sneezing because of allergies
May 7, 2021
Can You Outgrow Hay Fever or Other Allergies?

Find out how allergies work on your body

Older man with digestive discomfort
August 12, 2020
5 Steps to Help Prevent Digestive Problems as You Age

Medications, inactivity, poor diet may all play a role in your stomach trouble

Adults eating lobster and shrimp
February 26, 2019
Adult Food Allergies Are More Common Than You Might Think

Shellfish is the top food allergen in adults

Aspirin poured onto table from bottle
December 7, 2023
Why You Are Sensitive to Aspirin

A reaction to the medication may trigger preexisting asthma and result in sinus or skin reactions

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad