Food Allergy Bullying: How to Talk to Your Child and the School
Welcome to the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. We are starting a new series on food allergies and mental health issues. The first episode addresses food allergy bullying in children and teens. Research shows bullying affects up to 1 in 3 children with food allergies. And most kids never tell their parents it is happening.
In this episode, licensed psychologist and food allergy mom Amanda Whitehouse, PhD, joins co-hosts Kortney and Payel Gupta M.D, to talk about:
- what food allergy bullying looks like;
- how to have a conversation about food allergy bullying with your child; and
- when and how to get the school involved.
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Thank you to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring this podcast episode.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.
Key Takeaways About Food Allergy Bullying
Children with food allergies are already managing a lot. When bullying is added on top, some may pull back quietly rather than speak up. Knowing what to look for and how to start the conversation can make all the difference.
- What food allergy bullying looks like. It is repeated unkind behavior that uses a power difference to make a child feel unsafe.
- Signs your child may be being bullied. Watch for changes like not wanting to go to school, a full lunchbox, or pulling away from things they love.
- How to talk to your child. Ask open questions, listen first, and let your child have some say in what happens next.
- When to involve the school. Know your child’s rights, document everything, and go in as a partner.
- Building resilience. Children who help decide what to do next feel stronger and more in control.
Episode Timestamps from Food Allergy Bullying Podcast
01:15 — Amanda’s introduction
02:25 — How common is food allergy bullying
03:22 — What food allergy bullying looks like
09:22 — Signs your child may be being bullied
13:24 — How to talk to your child about bullying
20:40 — What if your child won’t open up
24:01 — Should you tell your child they could be bullied for their food allergy
28:13 — Setting phone rules with your child
32:30 — How bullying affects kids emotionally
36:53 — When to involve the school
40:55 — How to help your child heal
45:40 — When to seek help from a therapist
More Resources about Food Allergy Bullying
- Planning for School with Food Allergies
- How Parents and Schools Can Prevent Bullying
- Back to School With Confidence: How to Prevent Bullying
More podcast episodes about food allergies at school:
