High school pranks are common, but some lines shouldn’t be crossed—especially when they endanger lives. Last year at Lake Travis High School, Texas, football teammates filled Carter Mannon’s locker with peanuts, despite his severe peanut allergy diagnosed as an infant.
Carter had already had a near-fatal reaction from a contaminated cookie, requiring two EpiPen doses and an ER visit. His mom, Shawna Mannon, explained that even a small exposure could trigger anaphylactic shock. Yet his teammates went ahead, scattering peanuts in his locker, on his jersey, and in his cleats. Carter immediately broke out in hives.
The pranksters faced minimal consequences, while Carter endured verbal retaliation and even more peanut-related pranks. The school board told Shawna the incident didn’t meet Texas’ legal definition of bullying. Ultimately, Carter transferred to another school for his safety.