WISBECH: College bans Red Bull and similar drinks to curb hyperactivity
A WISBECH college has banned the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks on campus after tutors complained students were becoming hyperactive in lessons.The popularity of drinks such as Red Bull and Relentless has soared in recent years, especially among stu
A WISBECH college has banned the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks on campus after tutors complained students were becoming hyperactive in lessons.
The popularity of drinks such as Red Bull and Relentless has soared in recent years, especially among students as a means of boosting alertness after a long night of revision.
But they will no longer be stocked in shops and vending machines at the College of West Anglia - although consumption of the drinks will still be allowed on its campuses in Wisbech and King's Lynn.
The drinks have attracted criticism for the way they are marketed at youngsters, and health experts have warned of the risk of caffeine addiction in teenagers, which could lead to chest pains and heart palpitations.
But manufacturers said their product packaging clearly warned of the dangers to anyone sensitive to the stimulants which make the drinks work.
College of West Anglia spokesman Paul O'Shea said: "Several tutors and lecturers approached the staff health and safety committee about a growing issue, which was the behaviour of certain students in classes after they had been drinking these high-energy, high-caffeine drinks.
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"The complaint was about them being full of energy, which is fine for a sports activity, but not for the classroom."
Mr O'Shea said the decision was taken in line with the college's general policy of encouraging healthy living.
He said: "These drinks are fine if used in a balanced approach to diet but I think some of the kids come in with misinformation and see them as a substitute for a good breakfast."
Although some students complained their pick-me-up would no longer be available at the college, there were others who thought the ban was a good idea.
Business and retail student Jezemin Sayer, 17, said: "I think it is fair because these drinks are so unhealthy. You shouldn't be drinking in school and getting hyperactive; you should be concentrating on your work."
The college's stance on high-caffeine drinks follows that of City College in Norwich, which also recently banned their sale on site.
