Selling all coffee products will soon be banned in South Korea’s elementary, middle and high schools, according to the country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Scheduled to take effect on 14 September, the new law aims to promote a healthier lifestyle for children. Currently, products high in calories or caffeine, or low in nutrition are restricted at schools nationwide.
There is also an existing ban since 2013 on selling highly caffeinated drinks, such as energy drinks, to students in school.
However, coffee is classified as an “adult beverage” and has been sold in school vending machines and snack shops for teachers. With the ban, even teachers will no longer be able to get their coffee fix on school property.
“The revision aims to create healthy eating habits among children and teenagers,” a ministry official said. “We will make sure coffee is banned at schools without fail.”
The food and health authority is currently working closely with the Ministry of Education to implement the coffee ban, reported Korea Times.
The ministry warned that continuous caffeine consumption could harm a young child's physical and mental health, citing findings that too much caffeine consumption can cause dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, sleep disorders or nervousness.