Managing Allergies at School: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe

Sending your child to school is a big milestone, but for parents of children with allergies, it can feel overwhelming. At home, you control the environment. At school, your child becomes one of many, relying on teachers, staff, and peers to help keep them safe. With food and environmental allergies on the rise, it’s important to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and empower your child with the tools they need.

Allergies in Children Are on the Rise
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, up to 8% of children in the U.S. have food allergies, and nearly 40% of those children have experienced a severe reaction. Allergies can range from seasonal triggers like pollen or dust to serious food allergens such as peanuts, dairy, or shellfish. Anaphylaxis—the most severe reaction—can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Studies show that about one in four severe allergic reactions at school occur in children who had no previous allergy diagnosis, which highlights the importance of widespread staff awareness and training.

Preparing Your Child for School with Allergies
The first step is teaching your child about their allergies in an age-appropriate way. While a five-year-old won’t understand immune system mechanics, they can learn which foods or substances make them feel sick. Encourage your child to never accept food from others unless it’s from a trusted adult who knows their allergies. Role-play responses like “thank you, but I can’t have that” so they feel comfortable speaking up. It’s also helpful to remind them that sharing is great in most situations, but not when it comes to food or drinks.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
At home, your child knows to come to you when something feels wrong. At school, they need to know how to find help quickly. Teach them where the nurse’s office is located and how to identify a teacher, cafeteria staff, or playground monitor when they’re not in the classroom. Research shows that while nearly half of severe reactions start in the classroom, about 20% occur in the cafeteria and 10% on the playground. Practice talking through early symptoms—itching, tingling in the mouth, a tight chest—and what action they should take. Encourage them to speak up, even if the symptoms seem small.

Partnering with Teachers and Staff
Before the school year begins, schedule a meeting with the school nurse and your child’s teacher. Provide written documentation from your child’s allergist or ENT doctor, including their allergy action plan. Review what symptoms may look like in your child—children often describe reactions in unique ways, like “my tongue feels hairy” or “my mouth tastes funny.” In some cases, changes in behavior—sudden quietness, irritability, or scratching at the mouth—may be the earliest warning signs. Make sure staff understand how your child expresses discomfort. Share details about prescribed medications, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, and confirm where these medications will be stored and who is trained to administer them.

Reducing Risks at School
Even with good planning, exposure risks can occur in unexpected places. Food allergens may appear in classroom projects using recycled packaging, craft supplies like playdough, or musical instruments that are shared among students. Outdoor activities can pose risks from insect stings. Discuss strategies with school staff to minimize these risks—such as offering non-food rewards for good behavior, supervising snack times closely, and designating allergen-safe zones in the cafeteria. The more proactive you are in outlining potential hazards, the safer your child will be.

Partnering With Your Child’s Doctor
As part of back-to-school readiness, schedule a check-up with your child’s ENT doctor or allergist. Medications may need dose adjustments as your child grows, and it’s a good time to renew prescriptions or update emergency action plans. If your child also has asthma, make sure their asthma management plan is current, since asthma can increase the risk of severe reactions. Schools often require documentation from a physician, so having everything updated before the first day ensures a smoother start.

Advocating for Your Child
Ultimately, you are your child’s best advocate. Don’t hesitate to speak up if something at school feels unsafe, whether it’s a cafeteria practice, playground risk, or classroom activity. Although allergies are common—affecting millions of American children—not all schools are equally prepared to manage them. By educating your child, collaborating with school staff, and staying in close contact with healthcare providers, you can create a safe environment that allows your child to thrive both academically and socially.