28 Jul New school game helps students understand severe allergies
A free classroom mystery game is helping Year 6 and 7 students learn how to recognise allergic reactions, avoid common risks and support classmates living with food allergies.
Food allergies are a daily concern for many Australian families. Around one in 20 school-aged children lives with a food allergy, which means schools and students need to understand how to reduce risks and respond in an emergency.
A new interactive learning experience, The Mystery of School Island, aims to make these lessons more engaging for children.
Developed by the National Allergy Council as part of its Allergy 250K program, the curriculum-aligned game invites students to investigate what caused a fictional student’s allergic reaction.
As they solve the mystery, students learn about common food allergens, reading food labels, recognising the signs of an allergic reaction and getting help quickly.
Why classmates need allergy education
Children with severe allergies often have to check food labels, avoid sharing food and carry emergency medication. While they may become skilled at managing their allergies, staying safe also depends on the people around them.
For 10-year-old Gene, living with severe allergies means being alert to possible risks every day. His mother, Claire Jenkins, says the move to high school can be particularly worrying as children become more independent.
“You spend years teaching your child how to stay safe, but eventually they have to navigate the world on their own,” she says.
“Programs like this help other students better understand allergies and why they need to be taken seriously, so kids with allergies feel more supported and less alone.”
National Allergy Council CEO Dr Sandra Vale says young people with allergies often want their friends to understand the condition, without having to explain it themselves repeatedly.
The new game makes allergy safety a shared classroom responsibility rather than placing the burden solely on the child at risk.
Preparing for the move to high school
The resource was created specifically for students in Years 6 and 7. This is an important transition period, when children move from the close supervision of primary school to greater independence in high school.
Students may begin buying food from a canteen, attending camps and excursions, moving between classrooms and spending more time with different friendship groups.
The game discusses risky behaviours such as sharing food and helps students understand why a seemingly small action could have serious consequences for someone with an allergy.
Teacher and Allergy 250K peer mentor Kara Gifford says the mystery format offers schools an age-appropriate way to begin conversations about allergy awareness.
“Students in this age group can be difficult to engage through traditional health education approaches,” she says.
“This gives schools a more relatable way to start important conversations around allergy awareness and safety.”
A free resource for schools
The Mystery of School Island was developed with input from teachers, Year 6 students and curriculum writer Nick Rose.
It is aligned with the Australian Curriculum, NSW syllabuses and the Victorian Curriculum. It can be completed individually or as a whole-class activity.
The free resource also includes teacher guides, discussion prompts and additional classroom activities.
Parents of children with allergies may wish to let their school know that the resource is available, particularly during the transition into high school.
Schools and educators can find the program at allergy250k.org.au
