Did you know 1 in 13 American children have a food allergy, and nearly a third of those say they have been bullied because of those allergies, some of which can be life-threatening? Crazy-huh?
Food allergy bullying has garnered attention recently, following a series of high-profile cases and uproar over a family movie depicting the abuse. Three teens in Pennsylvania were arrested after intentionally exposing a classmate who is allergic to pineapple to the fruit last December 2018. One of the students allegedly put some pineapple juice on her hand and high-fived a classmate known to be severely allergic. The victim was treated at a hospital and has since recovered. The teen “most culpable” in perpetrating the attack was charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, and two others were charged for assisting her. The ringleader, who later admitted to a lesser charge in court, was expelled from school and ordered to restrict her social media use. Thank goodness!
About 30 percent of children with food allergies said they had been bullied because of the allergy, according to a 2012 study published in the journal pediatrics. Children reported that their classmates and peers teased them, threw food or waved it in their faces, excluded or threatened them based on the allergy, and performed other acts of bullying. Children in the study said they had a better quality of life when their parents were aware of the bullying, but parents only knew about the issue in about half the cases.
Food allergy bullying happens because children are especially aware of differences among their peers and may not understand how dangerous certain foods can be for someone with an allergy.
Food allergy bullying made headlines when Sony Pictures came under fire for its film Peter Rabbit, which includes a scene where a group of animals throw blackberries at a human who is allergic to them, causing a severe reaction. Some parents called for a boycott of the film, claiming it made light of food allergy bullying that threatened the character’s life. I say good for them! When I talk to younger kids about it, I just kind of make them realize that this makes them special and unique in their own way. My thoughts on this subject is concerning but encouraging in the fact that education is the key to this issue.
If you'd like me to come and give a presentation to a group or school, please contact me. This is real folks!
Stay safe,
Katie
Food allergy bullying has garnered attention recently, following a series of high-profile cases and uproar over a family movie depicting the abuse. Three teens in Pennsylvania were arrested after intentionally exposing a classmate who is allergic to pineapple to the fruit last December 2018. One of the students allegedly put some pineapple juice on her hand and high-fived a classmate known to be severely allergic. The victim was treated at a hospital and has since recovered. The teen “most culpable” in perpetrating the attack was charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, and two others were charged for assisting her. The ringleader, who later admitted to a lesser charge in court, was expelled from school and ordered to restrict her social media use. Thank goodness!
About 30 percent of children with food allergies said they had been bullied because of the allergy, according to a 2012 study published in the journal pediatrics. Children reported that their classmates and peers teased them, threw food or waved it in their faces, excluded or threatened them based on the allergy, and performed other acts of bullying. Children in the study said they had a better quality of life when their parents were aware of the bullying, but parents only knew about the issue in about half the cases.
Food allergy bullying happens because children are especially aware of differences among their peers and may not understand how dangerous certain foods can be for someone with an allergy.
Food allergy bullying made headlines when Sony Pictures came under fire for its film Peter Rabbit, which includes a scene where a group of animals throw blackberries at a human who is allergic to them, causing a severe reaction. Some parents called for a boycott of the film, claiming it made light of food allergy bullying that threatened the character’s life. I say good for them! When I talk to younger kids about it, I just kind of make them realize that this makes them special and unique in their own way. My thoughts on this subject is concerning but encouraging in the fact that education is the key to this issue.
If you'd like me to come and give a presentation to a group or school, please contact me. This is real folks!
Stay safe,
Katie