Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Energy Drinks at school?

I have no idea if local schools sell energy drinks, but I hope not. I just can't think of any reason for them to. I am struggling right now with caffeine headaches because I am trying to get off Diet Coke. I really don't want my kids, even when they're teenagers, to drink a bunch of caffeine. Now, I am sure they probably will at some point, but I am all for schools making it harder for kids to get energy drinks. However, a school in New Jersey is taking heat for doing this.


Here's the story from ABC:

Schools in New Jersey are beginning to debate over whether or not energy drinks should be allowed. The concern is that they are harmful to young bodies. It seems to be the first of its kind, as the principal in Hillsborough is taking the lead and paving the way for other schools and legislators.

But is the ban fair or does it cross a line? "I play in a band, and I've drank it before shows to just get my energy level up, just to jump around stuff," one student said. The 16-year-old says he reaches for energy drinks that guarantee a quick pick-me-up, sometimes providing a pop of instant energy.


But don't even think of bringing one to Hillsborough Middle School, where the beverages are now banned. The students are seventh and eighth graders entering their early teens. It is an age Trybulski feels is too young to be consuming so much caffeine and sugar. It's a multi-billion-dollar industry, with a range of products containing loads of caffeine. But insiders stressed that the products are designated for adults and are not marketed in schools.

But kids are still exposed to it. "It's not like Red Bull or any drinks are a necessity you need to have in school," student Erica Barveto said. In nearby Manville High School, the only beverage students are allowed to bring to school is water. Still, the principal recently noticed something unusual happening. More students needed more visits to the health office. "Instead of breakfast, they were stopping at the convenience store and consuming one to four of those energy drinks," Manville principal Mary McLoughlin.


Trybulski says that since the ban has been put in place, there has not been a single instance of students breaking the rules.

Does your child's school sell energy drinks? Are you for or against this idea?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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16 comments:

Maria said...

I say that the ban is probably necessary. The schools that allow it will probably also jump up and say that they have major ADD/ADHD/Discipline problems. I'm a cynic when it comes to this topic.

Rixblix said...

There are no carbonated beverages in my kids' district at all. Oddly enough, some children on the "rambunctious" side actually calm down with a little caffeine. After all, most ADD meds are stimulants. I do, sometimes, treat my kids to a $1 so they can buy a Gatorade on Friday after school.

Shannon said...

Pekin High School has a coffee bar.

Just sayin'.

Jen- Edgar successfully weaned himself off of caffeine by taking caffeine pills and gradually decreasing what he took. It only took a few days, and avoided the headaches. Your headaches could also be from the lack of aspartame, too... I got them when I cut out the crystal light addiction I had.

Jen Christensen said...

I have taken an excedrin here and there. Does that count as a caffeine pill? Last night was the best night. The headache started earlier, but wasn't as bad. I am hoping to get over it soon. Although, I really wanted a Dr. Pepper yesterday. But I didn't do it? What do you guys drink besides milk and water? Is there anything else that isn't full of calories or fake sugar?

Anonymous said...

when I get tired of the taste of tap water, I add a squirt or 2 of lemon or lime juice.

Maria said...

We drink water, water and more water. OK. I drink one cup of coffee in the morning, but when I skip it, I don't notice a difference, and occasionally I have diet coke. The Boy gets water. And breast milk. :)

Jen Christensen said...

I have tried to the lemon juice and it's good. I guess I just don't feel that "wow this tastes good" feeling when I drink it. I guess I just want the best of both worlds. I have tried de-caff tea with honey, but haven't found one that isn't bitter.
Maria, you have more willpower than me. Once I get started drinking Diet Coke, I want one everyday!

Maria said...

It comes and goes for me. I'll drink one a day for a week and then go two months without one. It's just not something I crave, though I do enjoy drinking them when I have 'em. :)

Maria said...

Oh, and in Europe, I would mix some 100% juice and mix it with mineral (carbonated) water at a 20/80 mix of mostly water. It was so good...

Maria said...

Third time's a charm--

Sometimes when I think I want a pop, I drink a perrier instead. It's my guilty pleasure.

Jen Christensen said...

I like the mineral water and juice idea. That sounds good! I have never had Perrier. You are going to think I am ignorant, but I thought it was plain water. Does it taste different?

Maria said...

Perrier is water with bubbles, and different carbonated waters taste differently. Whole Foods usually carries several varieties, but I've noticed Reasors and other more main stream stores also starting to carry a few varieties.

Jen Christensen said...

It's certainly worth a shot! I just found a new study saying moms are drinking way too much caffeine. What a coincidence! I will have to get that posted later tonight!

SallyN said...

I'm horrified at the thought of these super-caffeinated beverages in schools. Soda is bad enough!

As for what we drink... I do the ~80/20 mix of water and 100% juice. I also get that Simply Limeade juice and mix with water (anywhere from a splash of juice, to 50/50, depending on my sugar need, lol!)

Husband has realized how many empty calories he was getting with all the soda he drank. So now he gets the sugar-free koolaid packets and mixes them up using splenda. Not ideal, but a step in the right direction!

Jen Christensen said...

Simplye Limemade.. hmmm.. I will have to try that too!

Shannon said...

If only we had a Trader Joe's...

We stock up on juices and drinks whenever we're near one. They have a great pomegranate green tea that is sweetened with agave nectar. And my kids love their mango lemonade.

We also bought SIGG bottles recently for each kid and I can't believe how much they love cold ice water from those. I have trouble drinking just water too, I need to enjoy the things I eat/drink and plain water doesn't usually do much for me. But I try!

 
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