Caffeine, sugar and chaos in class

ENERGY drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a health warning under EU labelling rules introduced in 2014.

Caffeine is a stimulant and when combined with the high sugar content in an energy drink can make children excitable, difficult to teach and even violent.

The drinks can make existing nervous disorders and heart problems worse. Effects are stronger in children, who have a smaller frame and body weight.

Abruptly cutting out caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle ache, and irritability.

Brands in the UK that carry the health warning include Monster Energy, Relentless Original, Rockstar Punched, Red Bull (pictured) and many supermarket ownbrand versions.

All these drinks contain 320mg of caffeine per litre, which is more than double the warning point. The European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg caffeine per day for an average 11-year-old.