The British government intends to ban the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine content to children under the age of 16. The reason for this is evidence of their negative impact on the health, academic performance and general well-being of teenagers.
According to the Department of Health, around 100,000 British children drink at least one can of energy drink every day. Studies link their consumption to sleep disturbances, anxiety, reduced concentration and the risk of obesity. Although the packaging already carries a warning that they are “not recommended for children,” the new rules will make it illegal to sell such drinks to minors in shops, cafes, restaurants, vending machines and online.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of the measure:
“How can we expect schoolchildren to succeed in their studies if they consume the equivalent of four cans of cola every day? Energy drinks seem harmless, but in fact they interfere with sleep and concentration and undermine health, while the sugar they contain damages teeth and contributes to obesity,” he said.
The ban will be part of the “Plan for Change” programme aimed at disease prevention and public health improvement. According to the authorities’ estimates, this measure will help prevent obesity in approximately 40,000 children and benefit the healthcare system by tens of millions of pounds.
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson added that the restriction will also have a positive impact on discipline in schools, as energy drinks often exacerbate behavioural problems.
Public consultation on the initiative began on September 2 and will last for 12 weeks. It will involve doctors, teachers, retailers, manufacturers and community organisations.
Large retailers are already voluntarily restricting sales, but small shops continue to sell energy drinks to children. This has led to calls for a unified approach at the national level.
The initiative has been supported by parents, teachers, scientists and medical associations. According to Professor Amelia Lake of Teesside University, research clearly shows that energy drinks have no place in a child’s diet. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has also called the ban a “logical step” in improving the health of the younger generation.
If the proposal is approved, drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre will be banned. The restriction will not apply to tea, coffee and soft drinks with low caffeine content.
