Home / Health / England Bans Under-16s From Buying Energy Drinks
England Bans Under-16s From Buying Energy Drinks
29 Jun
Summary
- Under-16s in England will be banned from purchasing energy drinks.
- Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee.
- This ban aims to improve children's physical and mental wellbeing.
A new law is poised to take effect across England, prohibiting the purchase of certain energy drinks by those under the age of 16. This legislative change is being hailed as a major advancement for children's health.
The proposed ban will prevent under-16s from buying popular energy drinks from various retailers, including shops, restaurants, and online platforms. This initiative addresses concerns that up to a third of UK children regularly consume these beverages.
Specialists emphasize that excessive intake of these drinks, which can contain caffeine levels equivalent to two strong coffees, has been linked to adverse health outcomes. These include headaches and sleep disturbances, with evidence pointing to wider negative impacts on mental and physical wellbeing, as well as academic achievement.
The government stated that parents, teachers, and children had urged for action. A ban was previously agreed upon in 2019, and there is now a push to ensure its implementation for the estimated 100,000 children and young people consuming these drinks daily.
