A severe food allergy can be deadly. It is not something to joke about. One teen and his family say his teammates treated it like a game.

Carter Mannon has a serious peanut allergy. It was diagnosed when he was a baby and was well known at his school. His mother said he had already had a dangerous reaction in the past after eating food that was contaminated. He needed emergency treatment and went to the hospital.

She says some teammates asked him if peanuts could kill him. Carter told them yes, if the peanuts got into his eyes, nose, or mouth.

The next day, she claims they scattered peanuts inside his locker. She also says they put peanuts on his uniform and in his cleats. Soon after, Carter developed hives, which can be an early sign of a severe reaction.

The incident was reported to the school. The students involved were punished for a short time. They were also moved to a different locker room and given extra running at practice.

His mother says Carter then faced backlash. She claims other students bothered him in the hallway and spoke to him harshly. She also says someone later put a peanut butter granola bar in his backpack.

The family took the issue to the school board. The district said the behavior did not meet the state’s legal definition of bullying. Even so, Carter eventually changed schools because his family no longer felt he was safe there.

What do you think is the right consequence when someone “pranks” a person with a life-threatening allergy?