The Courier were alarmed to hear increasing anecdotal evidence of youngsters drinking cans of energy drinks at schools – with appalling knock-on effects. Poor attention in the classroom, anti-social behaviour and insomnia were all reported.
The paper encouraged schools to pledge a ban on the consumption of energy drinks at schools, and offered free reusable water bottles to all S1 pupils in participating schools.
The paper also researched into the effects of consuming energy drinks on the body and mind – including sending a reporter to a lab where he could be monitored while consuming energy drinks. Energy drinks were banned from schools across Perthshire, Angus and Fife. Water fountains were installed in schools to allow pupils to refill their water bottles.