Nayland College is committed to encouraging students to make healthy choices. We ask that students do not drink high sugar or energy drinks on school grounds.
Sugary drinks are one of the most significant causes of poor oral health and contribute greatly to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Sugary drink consumption is also associated with problem behaviours. Studies have found poor diet and nutrition are associated with lower academic achievement.
We care about student achievement and as such, we are committed to ensuring that parents and students receive clear, consistent messages about the importance of healthy choices and the impact of sugary drinks.
This includes:
- continuing to educate students about the
importance of healthy drink choices and the benefits of consuming water
- actively promoting water as the best option
in school publications
- ensuring staff commitment to model healthy drinking habits.
- actively discouraging sugary drinks being brought to school by students
- restricting the type of drinks that are available in the school canteen
We ask that parents support us in this initiative by not providing sugary drinks for students to bring to school.
How much sugar do you drink?
- 600 ml soft drink – 16 teaspoons of sugar
- 350 ml fruit juice – 10 teaspoons of sugar
- 750 ml sports drink – 15 teaspoons of sugar
- 350 ml energy drink – 9 teaspoons of sugar
- Tap water – 0 teaspoons of sugar
Did you know?
Soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks and energy drinks can contain 5–7 teaspoons of sugar in a 250ml glass.
Water is the best choice
Other low or no-sugar options are:
- Unflavoured milk
- Tea
- Coffee
- Diet or zero drinks
If you drink a 600 ml bottle of soft drink every day, you will drink 480 teaspoons of sugar a month, which equals 2kg of sugar.
You could save $60 a month if you switch your daily can of soft drink for tap water.
A 350 ml bottle of fruit juice contains as much sugar as 25 jelly beans.
If you drink a 350 ml bottle of energy drink every day, it is the same as eating an extra 45 slices of white bread every month.
(Information sourced from https://www.healthed.govt.nz/resource/how-much-sugar-do-you-drink)