Lincoln County Middle School in Stanford, Kentucky has taken a stand against energy drinks by officially banning them from the school. Principal Lauren Burnett stated that the health and well-being of the students are too important to risk, especially considering that middle school students are at a vulnerable age with developing brains and bodies.
The school’s new resource officer, James Mayfield, noticed the increasing popularity of energy drinks among the student body. He highlighted that some students were consuming up to six cans a day, leading to two students being hospitalized with racing heart rates, which were attributed to energy drink consumption.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents should not consume energy drinks, but if they do, the recommended maximum caffeine intake is 100 milligrams per day. However, many popular energy drinks contain much higher amounts of caffeine, which can pose serious health risks, including anxiety, depression, and strokes.
In response to these concerns, the school decided to implement a complete ban on energy drinks. Principal Burnett emphasized the importance of parental support in addressing these issues and starting conversations about other health concerns, such as vaping.
By taking this proactive step, Burnett and Mayfield hope to reduce anxiety, decrease behavioral problems, and improve student focus in the classroom. The school’s decision to ban energy drinks serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a healthy and safe environment for students to thrive.