The UK government is planning to ban energy drinks for all under-16s, moving beyond current voluntary guidelines to create legally binding restrictions. A 12-week consultation involving health experts, education specialists, manufacturers, retailers and the public will determine the final details of the new law.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, supports the government's approach. "From a medical perspective, the decision to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s is a sensible and proportionate step," she said.
Medical concerns drive policy
The high caffeine content in energy drinks poses particular risks for young people, according to medical experts. Dr Wylie explained that caffeine is "linked to palpitations, sleep disturbance, anxiety, headaches and, in some cases, more serious heart rhythm problems."
Teenagers face greater vulnerability to these effects because their bodies are still developing. The high sugar content also raises concerns amid rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity in children.
Sleep disruption presents another significant worry for adolescents' development and academic performance. Dr Wylie noted that "many young people consume [energy drinks] regularly, sometimes in place of breakfast or alongside gaming and late-night screen use."
Protecting vulnerable age group
The combination of disrupted sleep, stimulant use and poor nutrition can negatively impact concentration, behaviour and academic performance in teenagers. The proposed ban aims to address both direct health risks and support healthier habits among adolescents.
Dr Wylie argues the measure represents protection rather than unnecessary restriction. "This move is not about restricting freedom unnecessarily but about protecting a particularly vulnerable group from substances that can cause genuine harm," she said.
The policy follows established precedent for age-restricted products. "Much like existing age restrictions on alcohol and tobacco, it recognises that certain products are simply not appropriate for children," Dr Wylie concluded.
Chronicle Live reports that specific brands affected would include Red Bull, Monster, Relentless and Prime. The government has not yet announced a definitive timeline for when the new restrictions would take effect.
Sources used: "HuffPost UK", "Sky News", "Evening Standard", "Chronicle Live"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
