FOOD ALLERGIES
Be a M.A.T.E. – Make Allergy Treatment Easier
Having a food allergy can impact on a child’s participation in school and other activities.
With support, understanding, and education of children, parents/carers, and the wider school community, everyone can include children with food allergy and help to keep them safe.
Anyone can Be a M.A.T.E. by following these five easy steps:
Always take food allergies seriously
It may be hard to believe food that most of us eat and enjoy every day can be harmful to others, but people who have food allergy can have serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be life threatening.
Don’t share food with mates who have food allergy
Everyone loves to share or swap food with each other. But for those with food allergies this can be very dangerous. Never share your food with mates with food allergies. Even if you think the food is safe, it’s still not worth taking the risk.
Wash hands after eating
Wash your hands after eating something another student is allergic to. This will help keep them safe.
Know what your mates are allergic to
Ask your mates what food they are allergic to. Consider your mates with food allergy when eating your food and try not to be messy. For school birthday parties and celebrations consider non-food treats and activities like stamps and stickers.
Get help straight away if a mate gets sick (even if they don’t want you to)
If a mate who has food or insect allergies is showing these signs tell them to stay where they are and get a teacher or person in charge straight away:
- Finding it hard to breathe
- Skin that is bumpy, red, and itchy
- Swelling of the face, lips, and eyes
- Vomiting
- Looking pale and feeling dizzy
More helpful information and resources are available from: Be a MATE allergy aware education - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia please have a conversation with your child today about being allergy aware when at school.
