(Taken in part from: Counseling Today)

For the 3 million children nationwide with food allergies, lunchtime can pose an even tougher challenge than parents might imagine. A new study published in the October 2010 issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology revealed that roughly 35 percent of kids age 5 and older with food allergies have been the subject of bullying, teasing or harassment. The study, which surveyed more than 350 parents and caregivers, uncovered some startling information about what goes on in the school lunchroom and how it makes allergic children feel. Of those children who had been bullied and teased because of their allergies:

• 86 percent were teased repeatedly.
• 43 percent said they’d had the food to which they were allergic waved in their face.
• 64 percent had experienced verbal taunting.
• 35 percent had experienced a physical form of bullying.
• Approximately 20 percent indicated teachers or other school staff had taken part in teasing them.

Put an end to bullying immediately. It needs to be stopped dead in its tracks as soon as it happens. Doing nothing permits it to continue. Staying silent gives it power.

Give it a Voice! Protect the Victims.
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