Dubai school bans energy drinks: Why they are harmful for children?
Energy drinks have become a topic of renewed concern in the UAE after a school in Dubai alerted parents about the potential risks associated with children consuming Prime Energy drinks, with the institution banning the beverage.
In a circular to parents, the GEMS World Academy also highlighted various health problems, including anxiety and the possibility of developing addiction, as consequences of consuming these drinks.
Dean Winders, assistant principal Primary — Personal Development, Welfare and Behaviour at GEMS World Academy, said: “We strongly believe that energy drinks that are high in caffeine and sugar should be prohibited in schools.”
A 2020 study at Harvard University stated, “While it is true that some controlled trials have shown temporary improved alertness and reversal of fatigue after taking energy drinks, as well as enhanced physical performance in young athletes, the majority of studies show an association with negative health effects. These include increased stress, aggressive behaviours, increased blood pressure, increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, poor sleep quality, and stomach irritation.”
Sean Lewis, head of Pastoral Care, Student Development, Wellbeing and Safeguarding (DSL), Star International School, Al Twar, said they have implemented a healthy eating policy throughout the school. He said overindulgence in energy drinks can negatively affect a child's overall wellbeing, physical health, and dental health.
“We hold regular sessions and assemblies at school where we remind students and parents about the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy diet,” he said.
Many UAE schools reward students with healthy eating certificates
to promote a culture of nutritious consumption. Benjamin Atkins, head of Secondary, The Aquila School said: “A science experiment we do with our pupils examines the sugar content of various drinks. Pupils are often surprised to see how much sugar they consume in just one bottle. I think energy drinks are unsuitable for children and should be banned in all schools, like at our
school. It is important to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our pupils, and energy drinks do not align with that goal.”
Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam, Principal, Gulf Indian High School, Dubai, said: “Allowing energy drinks in schools promotes unhealthy beverage consumption, increasing the risk of health problems and academic underperformance.
Emphasising the importance of healthy drinks, educationists said it is crucial to provide students with access only to such options, considering that children are at an impressionable age and may not make wise choices independently.
Deepika Thapar Singh, Ceoprincipal of Credence High School, asserts the responsibility to ban all drinks and eatables with harmful
side effects. “Energy drinks containing artificial sweeteners and caffeine, which can lead to lifethreatening effects such as anxiety and insomnia, should not be sold in schools at all,” she said.
Regular consumption of energy drinks may replace healthier beverage choices like water, milk, or natural juices, leading to a poor overall diet quality and potential nutrient deficiencies.
Dr Kholoud Saad Mohamed, a General Practitioner at Aster Clinic, Al Warqa, warns that children below 18 are at a higher risk of heart issues from excess caffeine in energy drinks.
The Academy of Paediatrics recommends no caffeine consumption for children. Energy drinks contain an average of nine teaspoons of added sugar in a 12-ounce serving, contributing to weight gain, cavities, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dr Hany Alhendawy, a paediatric specialist at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, cautions that unregulated caffeine content in energy drinks can have adverse effects, particularly in children with pre-existing health conditions. Consumption of energy drinks is generally not recommended for children below 18.
Allowing energy drinks in schools promotes unhealthy beverage consumption, increasing the risk of health problems and academic underperformance.” Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam
Principal, Gulf Indian High School