Dangers of Food Allergy Bullying

[ajasfolks2]

I'm aware that this isn't a brand new phenomenon. But as a parent, I feel it's my duty to gather more of us to spread the message to our children and fellow parents. Whether or not our kids are allergic to peanuts, dairy, gluten, or another food product, it's up to us to empower them to stand up for themselves and others.

Be Aware: The Dangers of Food Allergy Bullying
by Sue Scheff
Aug 1, 2013

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sue-scheff/be-aware-the-dangers-of-f_b_3689585.html

[ajasfolks2]

Please feel free to comment and add your own strategies . . . and those that your LTFA kids have employed successfully (or not so successfully -- we can all learn)!

[twinturbo]

Honestly, I've told them it's okay to defend themselves at any cost whether it's allergies or racial. I'd rather pay for damages to the other kid than a funeral for mine. And yes, there have been recent suicides by kids of our "race" who were bullied.

The entire strategy is much more complex than that but on the subject of facing that inevitable moment of violence directed at them I say take the action that lets you come home that day. I'll handle the back end.

[bleh]

Honestly, I've told them it's okay to defend themselves at any cost whether it's allergies or racial. I'd rather pay for damages to the other kid than a funeral for mine. And yes, there have been recent suicides by kids of our "race" who were bullied.

The entire strategy is much more complex than that but on the subject of facing that inevitable moment of violence directed at them I say take the action that lets you come home that day. I'll handle the back end.

I forgot that schools don't believe in self defense.

[Macabre]

In my experience, physical defense was not necessary. The school took cae of it swiftly. And it did not happen again.

[maeve]

Let's not forget that food bullying can take less obvious, subtle forms, especially with girls.  Even though that form of bullying might not involve the threat of physical harm, it is just as insidious emotionally.

[ajasfolks2]

Have instructed our kids to NOT give a "written report" to the school (complete with their signatures) of the event / occurrence unless/until we parents have been consulted and/or are present.

IN our experience, sometimes staff "coaches" the kids as to wording so that the event is lessened or minimized . . .
And/or the wording ends up putting blame onto the bullied child as having "asked for it" somehow . . . that way it isn't bullying/harassment based on medical disability.

Just wanted to add that.