Coffee is to be banned at all South Korean schools, even for teachers, as part of a government campaign to promote healthier living.

The country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced the new curb this week, saying it would kick in at primary, middle and high schools from September 14, reported the Korea Times.

The ministry said the move aimed to tackle the side-effects of consuming too much caffeine including dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, sleep disorders or nervousness. It warned that continuous caffeine consumption could harm a young child's physical and mental health.

"The revision aims to create healthy eating habits among children and teenagers," a ministry official was quoted as saying. "We will make sure coffee is banned at schools without fail."

Under the current law, products high in calories or caffeine, or low in nutrition are already restricted or banned on school premises, including coffee milk products.