United Kingdom: Energy drink exclusion zones around schools should be imposed, warns teaching union
The move would be a first step in addressing ‘alarming levels’ of energy drink consumption among children
By Sarah Waddington, Head of Content
June 14, 2018
Energy drink exclusion zones around schools could help limit consumption among young people, MPs have been told.
The Government should consider imposing a ban on retailers near schools to stop sales of caffeine-filled products to under 16s, teachers’ union NASUWT said.
The move would be a first step in addressing “alarming levels” of energy drink consumption among children, the Science and Technology Committee heard.
Darren Northcott, a national officer at NASUWT, warned energy drinks could exacerbate poor behaviour in the classroom, impair concentration and affect the amount of sleep children are getting.
Giving evidence to the inquiry into energy drinks and young people, Mr Northcott said: “I think teachers are pretty clear – they are not necessary, it’s difficult to identify any health benefits that are derived from consuming them.”