SASKATOON – Going back to school and starting a fresh year should be an exciting time for children but it can often be stressful.
Bullying is an ongoing issue in schools not only on the playground but in the lunch room as well.
For students with allergies, there can be additional concerns. In some cases, if it’s taken too far the end result can be deadly.
“Different in elementary school can be height, can be weight, can be glasses, its all seemingly inconsequential things that potential make a child a target,” said Dr. Patricia McDougall, University of Saskatchewan Teaching and Learning Vice-Provost.
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“I think nutrition or specifically an allergy could potentially be a vulnerability,”
Food allergies can cause potential life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, for some staying away from certain foods is the only answer.
About 300,000 Canadian children under the age of 18 have food allergies.
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An American study reports, 30% of kids who are bullied are targeted because of their food allergies.
“The children start to feel isolated, they’re afraid to eat with their friends and really in the long term if they start just avoiding lunch or meals at school their nutritional health can start to decline,” said Registered Dietitian Brooke Bulloch.
Most schools have policies in place protecting children with allergies by not allowing certain foods.
Dr. Patricia McDougall suggests parents of a child with allergies work closely with teachers to look for ways to share information and to create a supportive environment.
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