Bullying and Colorectal Conditions

First published November 2022
Updated February 2026

Children who have a colorectal diagnosis are not necessarily more likely to be bullied than peers without a colorectal diagnosis. However, bullying can look a bit different for this group of children.

Children with a colorectal diagnosis often have different school accommodations than peers, such as more access to the restroom, water, and the nurse’s office. Other children can take notice of these differences and may not understand the reasons for them because there are often no outward signs of a colorectal condition.

If your child is being bullied, here are some suggestions to attempt to remedy the situation:

• Create a short phrase for your child to tell people who are questioning their medical symptoms. For example, if asked why they are always going to the nurse’s office, they could simply reply “when my stomach hurts, I have to go see the nurse.” This answers the other child’s curiosity while also keeping the patient’s medical diagnosis safe. This response also allows the patient to feel comfortable and in control when it comes to what others know about them.
• Talk with siblings so that they understand what they should and should not share at school and with friends about their sibling’s medical condition. Since it is not their diagnosis, they might be more open with providing details that they should not be sharing. Allow the child with the diagnosis to inform family members of what they are comfortable with others sharing.
• Get the school involved so they can best understand your child’s colorectal medical conditions and can assist with the bullying. Our social work team can assist with educating the school by writing a letter for families to provide the school about the medical diagnosis.
• Allow your child a safe space to vent their frustrations, anger, and fears surrounding the bullying and any emotions they have about their medical diagnosis. Be careful about your reactions to what your child says. It will be helpful to validate your child’s feelings about the situation and acknowledge their feelings.
• Arrange for your child to speak with a therapist, counselor, or guidance counselor about the bullying and about their medical condition that may be causing them stress. These mental health professionals do not necessarily need to be knowledgeable about your child’s diagnosis because they are equipped to assist with any type of concern.
• Get your child immediate help if they express a desire to harm themselves or others. This could be taking them to their local emergency department or calling 911.

Having a colorectal diagnosis does not automatically mean that bullying will occur, but it is a possibility and something that is helpful to be prepared for in case it does happen. The most important action a family or child can take is to get others involved to help sort out the bullying situation.