Pupils at a Cwmbran secondary school have been told that if they bring a can of energy drink to class it will be “confiscated and thrown away.”

Parents of pupils at Cwmbran High School read about the decision in a letter from Mrs Gill, the executive headteacher.

“As a result, all energy drinks are prohibited on school site.

“These drinks are not suitable for children because of their high levels of caffeine and are clearly labelled to this effect.  However, their packaging and marketing seems to make them attractive to young people, despite the detrimental impact they are having on their health.  In some cases, just one can could see a child exceeding the daily recommended amount of both caffeine and sugar.  Daily consumption of these gives children an increased risk of four health symptoms: headaches, sleeping problems, irritation and tiredness/fatigue and can lead to more serious heart conditions.

“Energy drinks have a negative consequence on children and their behaviour in the classroom, which will ultimately have a bearing on learning.

“If a student is found to have any energy drinks in their possession, they will be confiscated and thrown away.”

She included a link to an article from the Association of UK Dieticians about Energy Drinks and Young People.

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