A video posted Friday to the National Institutes of Health website warns about a new, potentially life-threatening kind of bullying – directed at kids with food allergies.
In a survey of 353 people – including children with food allergies or their parents and caregivers – the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found a quarter of them had “been victims of bullying, teasing or harassment”…
More than 80 percent of the incidents happened at school. The behavior ranged from teasing to physical events such as being touched by the allergen or having it waved in their face. The attacks resulted in feelings of sadness and depression, as well as embarrassment, according to the study.
Researchers say while no allergic reactions were reported as a result of the bullying, the potential risk is evident. Food allergies ranging from peanuts to milk can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
The video recommends informing the school and teachers of allergies and having medication available.
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