While bullying in all its forms has always been a concern, experts are asking parents to watch out for signs of 'allergy bullying' that can range from hurtful to deadly.

Sandra Hong, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic in the USA, said research has found that about one-third of children with food allergies report being targeted by bullies.

"Comments such as 'we can't have parties because of the food allergies Jimmy has', or more aggressive ones, where they're saying 'I'm going to hide peanut butter in your food', were among the incidents reported," she said.

Nadia Brooker, counselling psychologist at The Priory Wellbeing Centre, Dubai, said: "Bullying happens irrespective of geographic location, socio-economic status and faith. We see and treat many young people at the centre who are struggling with bullying and the negative repercussions it can have on their development.

"Children being bullied as a result of their allergies is, I'm afraid, yet another case of individuals being singled out and targeted simply for being 'different'."

Brooker said bullying - no matter the context - can have a significant negative impact on a child's wellbeing.

"Bullying can be both physical and emotional and will take a psychological toll on the bullied individual. Children may become distressed and anxious, refuse to go to school, become increasingly withdrawn or isolated, and struggle with low self-esteem and depression," she said.

"Teachers and parents may recognise bullied children by their difficulty to concentrate on their schoolwork, which can result in grades falling," said Brooker.

Bullying can also impact sleep and cause psychosomatic symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches. Without intervention, children are at risk of developing chronic depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, learned helplessness and relationship difficulties, she added.

Threatening victims

Dr Hong said perpetrators may threaten or taunt their victims with potentially dangerous food, such as peanuts or peanut butter.

She added that parents whose kids reported being bullied because of a food allergy should notify the school and insist that staff intervene.

Children targeted because of their food allergies often don't report such incidents to their parents, making it vital to know the warning signs, Dr Hong said. These include a change in behaviour, such as being sad, upset or withdrawn.

"If they have a real aversion to going to school, you'd want to get to the bottom of it," she said.

"If there's something more, something deeper, you'd want to be there and have open communication at all times so that you can deal with it."

According to Brooker, it is helpful for parents to be aware of and recognise the signs of potential bullying by focusing on their child's emotional and physical wellbeing.

"Signs such as refusing to go to school, social isolation, complaints about stomach pains, or grades slipping may be indicators that your child is being bullied," she said.

"It is important that your child knows bullying is unacceptable and not a 'normal' behaviour. They should be encouraged to approach you and their teachers if they think they are being bullied.

"They should know that their worries and concerns will be met with respect, validation and supportive action."

Brooker also said that while it's highly important to teach and encourage a child to be assertive and empowered, parents need to recognise when they must step in personally and take action on behalf of their kids.

With regard to specific allergies, parents always have to make sure the school is fully aware and that they are up to speed on the campus' anti-bullying procedures and policy, she added.

KT NANO EDIT

Nip bullying in the bud

Bullying means harming and humiliating others, specifically the vulnerable and the less assertive. Such behaviour can threaten the physical and emotional well-being of those bullied. The best way to prevent it is to address it before it starts. Schools play an important role here by raising awareness and counselling, both the bully and the bullied.

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