Bullies Target Classmates With Deadly Allergies

As more children are diagnosed, classrooms are becoming more conscientious of deadly food allergies. However, disturbing trends are showing that this awareness may not be purely positive, at least, not among the students. 

Bullying has long been a problem in schools, but Yahoo! News reports that kids are becoming more calculating, targeting children with deadly food allergies. Students as young as five are being threatened with peanuts, soy products, and other items that can cause extreme or even fatal reactions. 

Bullying children with food allergies is a common occurrence, according to a survey in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Parents, health professionals, and educators are concerned. Children can quickly discover their classmates' allergies at lunchtime, but may be too young to have a full understanding of the deadly consequences. 

An announcement released by the nonprofit organization Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) states that only eight foods make up 90 percent of all food-related allergies. While we may recognize many of these repeat offenders, such as peanuts, shellfish, eggs, and wheat, FARE says that more education initiatives are needed to help discourage this new wave of lunchroom bullying.