Schools are being urged to put in place a 60 day ban on artificially sweetened drinks and chewing gum.

Health watchdog, the Soil and Health Association, believes the common sweetener aspartame is linked to many symptoms including anxiety, depression, dizziness and irritability.

Spokesman Steffan Browning says the 60 day challenge would be worthwhile in schools, which have taken a lot of sugary food out of canteens. He is confident that it would result in a marked improvement in pupils' behaviour and wellbeing.

Mr Browning says while sugar is not a good food, the health impacts of aspartame are probably worse. He says diet drinks and other sugar free products are already being withdrawn at schools overseas.