Wellington’s St Patrick’s College bans caffeinated energy drinks at school

St Patrick’s College Wellington has banned energy drinks after a spike in sick bay visits. Rector Mike Savali said the drinks caused irritability, high heart rates, and sleep issues in students. The ban aims to encourage healthier choices and takes effect at the start of Term 2.

A distinguished Wellington secondary school has banned energy drinks from its campus after a spike in students visiting the sick bay. St Patrick’s College Wellington rector Mike Savali said students were buying energy drinks from the nearby supermarket and “guzzling” them on an empty stomach, and they were starting to see more boys showing up at the medical room feeling unwell. The single-sex school announced on Friday it was banning students from having caffeinated energy drinks during school hours, noting banned brands included V, Red Bull, Lift Plus, Monster, Mother, and more.



Savali told the Herald the move was about encouraging the students to think about what they were putting in their bodies and whether there was a healthier alternative..