Valley City schools ban energy drinks on campus

Matthew Freeman / WDAY By Matthew Freeman October 16, 2026 at 10:22 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? 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, such as Monster, Red Bull, Alani Nu and Celsius, on school grounds. ADVERTISEMENT For students, the drinks may seem like a quick way to wake up or power through practice. But school leaders 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 said the decision follows conversations with local health experts about student health, classroom learning and participation in activities. Sanford pediatrician Dr. Brandon Meyer said caffeine’s effects can be stronger and last longer in children than adults. He said the boost students want from drinks like Monster, Red Bull and others could come with some unwanted effects. “The problem is that if you're having a little bit too high of a dose, it can cause maybe heart palpitations. It can cause maybe increased anxiety or nervousness,” Meyer said. Meyer said that can make it harder for students to direct their attention toward schoolwork. And reaching for another can to finish homework could make the next day even harder. ADVERTISEMENT “It might delay sleep onset; it might change your sleep cycles so you're not getting the restorative sleep that you need,” Meyer said. READ MORE FROM matthew freeman North Dakota oil production and tax revenue keeps rising as US-Iran war drags on Sep 21 Sen. John Hoeven introduces 2-part plan to support farmers who may be impacted by FM Diversion Aug 18 Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee to prepare North Dakota legislators for 2027 session Jun 25 Meyer said it’s worth finding out why students feel they need an energy drink to get through the day. “I'd say talk to your doctor; because each case is going to be its own thing ... Do you need an energy drink because you're falling asleep too much in class?” he said. The school district said coffee, tea and pop aren’t included in the ban. School leaders said they’ll handle violations individually while they update the student handbook. The district said staff won’t routinely inspect student water bottles but may follow up if a concern is brought to their attention. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags HEALTH VALLEY CITY EDUCATION By Matthew Freeman Matthew Freeman has been a reporter for WDAY since 2026. He is a graduate of Dan Patrick's School for Sports Broadcasting at Full Sail University. He is from Panama City Beach, FL. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next North Dakota Fedorchak to continue connecting with North Dakotans in second term 11h ago · By Jordan Rusche North Dakota Is agriculture ‘losing its voice’ in North Dakota's Legislature? Some are concerned 12h ago · By Pamela Knudson North Dakota A growing number of North Dakota students 'waiting for a teacher' 13h ago · By Robin Huebner ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Subscribers Only College Postseason ambitions highlight Jimmies men's basketball media day 12h ago · By Paul Garcia II National Burgum, with millions invested in AI industry, leads charge allowing data centers on public lands 1d ago · By Mark Olalde / ProPublica North Dakota Fedorchak to continue connecting with North Dakotans in second term 11h ago · By Jordan Rusche North Dakota Is agriculture ‘losing its voice’ in North Dakota's Legislature? Some are concerned 12h ago · By Pamela Knudson