All eight secondary schools in Angus are backing The Courier’s Can It energy drinks campaign.
The Courier is calling on all secondary head teachers to stop pupils bringing energy drinks into school, following the stance taken by Forfar Academy head Melvyn Lynch.
While some local schools already have their own bans in place, others are speaking out in support of our campaign.
Montrose Academy’s service manager for schools and learning Rodger Hill said the school would be supporting The Courier’s campaign from the start of next school session in August.
He said: “There is strong support to introduce such a policy.”
Bruce Pandrich from Arbroath High also welcomed The Courier’s campaign.
He said: “Our health and wellbeing learning programmes includes information and guidance about high energy drinks to help our young people make healthy choices.
“We support awareness raising and moves to limit and control the access to and consumption of these drinks.”
Monifieth High head teacher MC McInally said she took the decision for a total ban at the school when she became head teacher three years ago.
“I’m happy to support The Courier campaign,” she said.
“There is no doubt that is someone is consuming these drinks at lunchtimes then there is a difference in their demeanour in the afternoon. Pupils can be more agitated, inattentive and hyper.
“I’ve actually banned all carbonated drinks – not even Sprite or Coke is allowed on the school premises and we don’t sell them. Our youngsters are now choosing better options.”
Carnoustie High head Donald Currie also supports The Courier campaign.
He said: “Pupils are aware that they should not have energy drinks in school. If pupils do bring such drinks to school they are taken from them.
“If open, it is poured away. If sealed the pupils can collect it from the head teacher at the end of the school day. Parents have been informed of this approach.”
Arbroath Academy head teacher Doreen Redfern said: “We don’t allow high energy drinks on school grounds and if we see them we confiscate them.”
Energy drinks are also currently confiscated from pupils at Brechin High School.
In giving her backing, Webster’s High head Jane Esson said: “Energy drinks, and all fizzy drinks purchased out with the school premises, have been banned from Webster’s for a number of years.
“Unopened cans and bottles are confiscated and open cans and bottles are disposed of in the school.
“During form time and social education pupils have been shown relevant videos to promote discussion around the possible side effects arising from consuming high energy drinks.”
Energy drinks are not sold at any Angus secondary school, though the council’s policy is that it is up to individual schools to decide whether they are allowed to be consumed on school grounds.
ANGUSalive premises also don’t sell energy drinks.
