At Hjerteberg School in the town of Stege 100 km south of Copenhagen, sweets and sugary snacks have been persona non-grata since the school year began in August. After nearly five months with the no-sweets policy, both teachers and pupils alike say that despite a tough time getting used to the policy, the school day has become a more relaxed affair.
'For the first few days, it wasn't so good, but then it was easier for me to sit still in my chair,' said third grader Rasmus, who, despite the improvement, wouldn't mind if it was permitted to have one chocolate or two with his lunch.
Rasmus's teacher, Malene Jensen, said that even though she misses something sweet during the day as well, calmer students makes it worthwhile.
'We especially notice it in the common areas, where children yell less. There are also fewer quarrels when they are sitting together at computers,' said Malene Jensen, a third grade teacher at the school, to local radio station Regionen.
When the school announced it was implementing the plan, some parents protested. According to headmaster Stefani Møller, most of the complaints were
But after a semester of a sweet-less school, administrators said the drastic measure was showing positive effects and had won backers from all sides of the desk.
'So we're going to continue,' said headmaster Stefani Møller.
Although little research has been done into the effects of sugar on children's behaviour, nutrition experts said that it was likely a healthy diet had contributed to the change.
For students - and teachers - there is one relief, children are allowed to bring cake and sweets to share with their classmates on their birthday.
'That makes it even more special,' Jensen said.
