Energy Drinks Affecting Children's Behaviour

Teachers warned about the “negative impact” of energy drinks on pupils’ behaviour.

10:08 07 April 2015

Teachers have warned pupils about drinking energy drinks after staying up into the early hours of the morning in an attempt to stay awake in school the next day. Teachers say that “high levels of caffeine and sugar” are disrupting pupils’ ability to concentrate and behave well in class. They added that after a phase of hyperactivity, the pupils “crash later in the day when the impact of these drinks wears off.” 

 

Teachers' union leader Chris Keates said: "These drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people and are often seen as simply like any other soft drink, but many young people and their parents are not aware of the very high levels of stimulants that these drinks contain.” 

 

But Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: "It's worth remembering that coffees from popular high street chains contain the same or more caffeine than most energy drinks.

 

"However, like all food and drink, energy drinks should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet."

Mr Partington added that his association’s code of practice states that high caffeine soft drinks are not recommended for children thus, must not be promoted or marketed to this age group.