Food allergy-related bullying in children: Prevalence and psychosocial burden from a mixed-methods study.

Rita Nocerino, Angelica Esposito, Laura Carucci, Antonio Masino, Caterina Mercuri, Teresa Rea, Silvio Simeone, Roberto Berni Canani

Journal: Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 2026;37(2):e70295

PMID: 41680092

Full Text on Wiley View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Food allergy-related bullying (FARB) is an underrecognized phenomenon that combines the psychosocial harm of peer victimization with the potential for serious physical consequences from allergen exposure. Despite its relevance, data on FARB in Italy are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, forms, and lived experiences of FARB among school-aged children and adolescents with food allergy (FA) using a mixed-methods approach.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cross-sectional study between June 2023 and April 2024 at a tertiary Pediatric Allergy Unit in Naples, Italy, adopting a sequential explanatory mixed-method design. Quantitative data on bullying prevalence were collected using the Italian-adapted Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore emotional impact, coping strategies, and perceived support.

RESULTS

Seventy-three children with FA (mean age 10.6 years; 69.9% male) were included. In the previous 2 months, 35.6% reported at least one bullying episode, and 27.4% identified FA as the specific motive. FARB most frequently involved verbal insults, social exclusion, and rumor spreading, mainly occurring in classrooms and perpetrated by small peer groups. Only 60% of affected children reported the episodes, primarily to parents. Qualitative findings highlighted emotional distress, hypervigilance, social withdrawal, inconsistent adult responses, and a strong desire for greater school awareness and protection.

CONCLUSIONS

FARB is a frequent and multifaceted form of victimization with relevant psychosocial and potential physical implications. Preventive strategies should integrate FA management into school-based anti-bullying policies, staff training, and inclusive educational interventions.

Address: Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; NutriTechLab, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.; Bachelor of Science in Pediatric Nursing, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; NutriTechLab, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.; Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; NutriTechLab, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.; Task Force for Microbiome Studies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.

DOI: 10.1111/pai.70295

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Full Text Sources:

https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.70295

MeSH Terms: Humans, Bullying, Male, Female, Food Hypersensitivity, Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Prevalence, Italy, Adolescent, Surveys and Questionnaires, Adaptation, Psychological