Commenting on the Science and Technology Committee’s
report Energy Drinks and
Children, Chris Keates, General Secretary of
the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:
“The NASUWT is pleased that the Committee took serious note of
the evidence that the NASUWT presented to it on the very real
concerns that many teachers have about the impact which excessive
consumption of energy drinks is having on pupil behaviour.
“The Union welcomes the acknowledgement from the Committee that
the Government’s plan to introduce a ban on the sale of these
drinks to children and young people, a move supported by the
NASUWT, is legitimate.
“Teachers and school leaders continue to see first-hand the
contribution energy drinks can make to poor pupil behaviour and
pupils’ ability to concentrate in class and the NASUWT has been
pleased to lead on their behalf this increasingly successful
campaign to raise awareness of the impact of these drinks.
“The NASUWT believes that the voluntary bans which have been
implemented by many major retailers as a result of the NASUWT’s
campaign, while helpful, do not go far enough to protect children
and young people’s wellbeing and statutory regulation to
introduce a blanket ban is needed.
“The NASUWT will continue to engage with the Government over the
introduction of a ban and support teachers and schools in
addressing the factors which can contribute to pupil
indiscipline.”
