The reported prevalence of food allergy has increased dramatically in recent years. In 1997, one in 250 children had a peanut allergy. Today, it's one in 70 children.
Dr. Sicherer at Mount Sinai School of Medicine is the first to study links between bullying and food allergies. Acoording to his survey, 35% of kids with allergies over 5 years old are bullied, teased or harassed.
The warning signs are similar to other forms of bullying. A child may be withdrawn or will not want to go to school. These children may also change their eating habits or come home hungry.
References:
Food allergy bullies. ABC.
Amid Protest, Florida School Stands Behind Tough New Peanut Allergy Regulations http://goo.gl/joUsS - Little evidence to back this approach: http://goo.gl/59VKU
Helping Families Manage Food Allergy in Schools - Medscape http://goo.gl/kCsTs
Management of food allergy in schools - AAAAI Ask the Expert, 2011.
DNA of children who experienced violence and bullying shows wear and tear that is associated with rapid aging http://goo.gl/FzY2i
Overhyped Panics - WSJ, 2011.