Valley City schools ban energy drinks on campus

VALLEY CITY — An energy boost some students use to get through the school day is raising concerns in Valley City. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, students won t be allowed to drink highly caffeinated energy drinks on school grounds, including products such as Monster, Red Bull, Alani Nu and Celsius. For students, the drinks may seem like a quick way to wake up or power through practice. But school leaders in Valley City say concerns about what s inside those cans and how it affects youth are behind the change. In an email sent to parents, Valley City Public School Superintendent Joshua Johnson says the decision follows conversations with local health experts about student health, classroom learning and participation in activities. Sanford pediatrician Dr. Brandon Meyer says caffeine s effects can be stronger and last longer in children than adults. He says the boost students want from drinks like Monster, Red Bull and several others could come with some unwanted