A Fife secondary school has underlined its support for The Courier’s ‘Can It’ campaign by formally banning energy and high sugar drinks on school premises.
Inverkeithing High School has written to all parents and carers asking for their support. It is one of several to back The Courier’s efforts in recent months.
The ban came into force on Monday and pupils will face having certain drinks confiscated and disposed of.
In his letter to parents, headteacher Ian Adair said the school was committed to promoting and supporting the health and wellbeing of all its learners.
“We hope you will agree that these types of drinks not only have a negative impact on health, but a detrimental effect on concentration and thus learning is inhibited,” he noted.
“The effect of high-energy and high sugar drinks is most noticeable after breaks and lunchtimes, with some pupils having the potential for causing distraction, sometimes becoming agitated, before displaying a lack of motivation due to an energy slump.
“Taking this concerning information into account, we have been considering how we might address this issue and best encourage our learners to make healthier choices.
“Water fountains are provided around the school site along with suitable alternatives being sold in the school canteens to ensure children remain hydrated.
“We would therefore seek your support in ensuring that these drinks are not brought into school from home or purchased on the way to school.”
Pupils have been encouraged to drink water as an alternative and the school even provided natural flavourings to add to water bottles – such as lemon and lime slices, cucumber and fresh mint – before Christmas to help with the transition.
“The benefits of water hydrating the brain and therefore relieving tiredness and increasing performance have been well documented and we believe this is a necessary step to ensure the best possible learning takes place in classes at Inverkeithing High School,” he concluded.
The Courier’s campaign was sparked amid concerns that fizzy or so-called energy drinks cause restlessness, anxiety, behavioural disorders, sleeplessness, nausea, a racing heartbeat, tooth decay, obesity and breathing difficulties among pupils.
The drive has gained support at both Holyrood and Westminster, and was also backed in a formal motion at Fife Council.
