Children teased with life-threatening allergens

KIDS with food allergies are being bullied by jealous peers who intentionally wave life-threatening allergens in their face and dare children to eat handfuls of nuts.

KIDS with food allergies are being bullied by jealous peers who intentionally wave life threatening allergens in their face.

Australian researchers have studied shocking evidence from other countries and believe the escalating problem is of “grave concern” and needs more investigation in Australia. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A & AA) backs the call.

'Allergy bullies' have been accused of spiking the food of kids with food allergies, with some school children even being hospitalised. Picture: 7 News

“We are certainly aware of cases of this kind of bullying in Australia. There is a lack of respect and understanding around allergies generally and when it comes to children there can be an element of jealousy — some don’t like the special attention focused on the food allergic children. Then there are just cases where the bully likes to pick on the kid with allergies,” A & AA chief Maria Said said.

Food allergy affects one in 12 children in Australia. Picture: 7 News

A new report in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health highlights that up to 30 per cent of kids internationally have reported being bullied because of their allergy — some have been touched with allergens like peanut butter or had their food deliberately contaminated.

Food allergy affects one in 12 children in Australia. The authors highlighted that many children with allergies are already isolated, separated from peers at meal times and social activities are often restricted.

Cases of children being splashed with almond milk or forced to eat foods they are allergic to have been reported. Picture: 7 News

Up to 30 per cent of kids internationally have reported being bullied because of their allergy. Picture: 7 News

“Some of the things include things as scary as being forced to eat the food they’re allergic to, or people tricking them into eating food,” Mr Andrew Fong from The University of New South Wales said.

In some cases, children have actually had an allergic reaction as a result of being bullied.

“They can be separated from their peers at schools, and they may not be invited to parties,” Professor Fong said.

“Kicked, teased, and bullying through social media as well.”

Isabelle Gilligan, 2, Justin Cowan, 3, and Mia Cains, 1, have allergies and enjoy afternoon tea together at Timber Tots Childcare Centre. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Early learning centres are striving to deliver the message of respecting those with food allergies.

“We have children with all kinds of allergies and we do all we can to make their peers understand the importance of keeping those kids safe. Teaching kids early is important so they carry this awareness through life. Our kids seem very protective of each other,” Jana Walker, director of Timber Tots childcare centre told The Courier Mail.

The most common triggers of food allergic reactions in childhood are peanuts, tree nuts, milk and egg. Common triggers of food allergy in adults are fish, shellfish, peanut and tree nuts. Many children outgrow their allergies.