Certain Drinks Banned from School

1st October 2015

As of Monday 28th September 2015 we have banned the following items in school.

 

Banned items:

 

All types of Energy Drinks.

All types of Isotonic Drinks.

All types of Squash.

All types of Fizzy Drinks (Cans and Bottles)

All types of Flavoured water (Still and Fizzy)

 

If students have these items in school they will be confiscated and not returned to the students.

 

If students are seen consuming any of the banned drinks before school by staff or a member of the public you will need to come and collect your child as they will not be allowed in school that day.

 

We have not taken this decision lightly but we are responding to research from the National Health Service into the damage these products may be doing to your children. We have attached a copy of this research to this letter.  

 

 

Many thanks for your support and co-operation in this matter.     

 

What are the risks associated with energy drink consumption?

 

The researchers state that the health risks associated with energy drink consumption are primarily related to their caffeine content.

Potential risks associated with energy drink consumption include:

  • Caffeine overdose (which can lead to a number of symptoms, including palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, convulsions and, in some cases, even death)
  • Type 2 diabetes – as high consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity 
  • Neurological and cardiovascular system effects in children and adolescents  sensation-seeking behaviour
  • Use and dependence on other harmful substances poor dental health somewhat ironically, given their association with sportiness, obesity
  • Energy drinks also contain a variety of other ingredients, such as guarana, and the effect of long-term regular consumption of the combination of the substances in energy drinks is unknown.

What policies do the researchers suggest?

The researchers suggest the introduction of the following policies:

  • an evidence-based, upper limit for the amount of caffeine allowed in a single serving of any drink a restriction in sales to children and adolescents
  • the education of healthcare providers to recognise caffeine intoxication, withdrawal and dependence
  • regulation of the marketing of energy drinks; for example, a ban on adverts that are obviously designed to target young people or suggest an association between energy drinks and sporting prowess

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/10October/Pages/Warnings-issued-over-energy-drink-risks.aspx