Children are using energy drinks as “legal highs”, making them hyperactive in class, teachers have warned as they called for more restrictions on the drinks.
The NASUWT teaching union is working with the drug charity Swanswell to examine the consumption of drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Relentless.
A survey by the NASUWT of around 3,500 teachers found that 13 per cent thought that the excess consumption of caffeine was contributing to poor pupil performance.
The NASUWT wants to make parents and children more aware of what the drinks contain, the recommended limits on caffeine consumption and the side-effects of too many energy drinks – from insomnia to anxiety and irritability.
13% of teachers surveyed by NASWUT thought that the excess consumption of caffeine was contributing to poor pupil performance (REX)
Chris Keates, the general secretary of the NASUWT, 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.
“They are readily available legal highs.”
Gavin Partington, the director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “Like all food and drink, energy drinks should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.”
According to Swanswell, children should consume a maximum of 200mg of caffeine per day, which is the same limit recommended by the Food Standards Agency for pregnant women.
Figures show that 500ml cans of energy drinks contain 144-160mg of caffeine. This means that children would have to drink only one can to reach the daily caffeine intake limit, compared with five 500ml bottles of cola, which contain 39.6mg of caffeine.
“They are readily available legal highs.”
Gavin Partington, the director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “Like all food and drink, energy drinks should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.”
According to Swanswell, children should consume a maximum of 200mg of caffeine per day, which is the same limit recommended by the Food Standards Agency for pregnant women.
Figures show that 500ml cans of energy drinks contain 144-160mg of caffeine. This means that children would have to drink only one can to reach the daily caffeine intake limit, compared with five 500ml bottles of cola, which contain 39.6mg of caffeine.
No comments:
Post a Comment