DAUK says plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16 will ‘benefit individuals, society, and the NHS’.
The Department of Health says its proposals could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children, and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
Around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day. There is growing evidence linking these drinks to harmful effects on children. These include disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.
Dr Sarah Jacques, DAUK GP co-chair and a GP in south east England, spoke to the i Paper about the plans. She described them as ‘an important step’ in protecting children’s wellbeing and development.
Energy drinks
She said: “I strongly welcome the government’s plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.
“Every week in my practice I see the impact that poor sleep, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating has on young people’s health and education.
“The evidence linking these drinks to those problems is compelling, and the scale of use among children is deeply concerning.
“Caffeine at these levels is not harmless. For developing bodies and brains, it can disrupt sleep, worsen mood and anxiety, and undermine learning — all at a stage when children need stability and focus.
“Many of these products are also high in sugar, further fuelling the growing crisis of childhood obesity and dental decay.
Safeguarding children
“This is not about restricting choice, but about safeguarding children from products that are marketed aggressively and consumed widely despite well-documented risks.
“Parents, teachers, and health professionals have long been asking for this change, and I am pleased to see action being taken.
“By introducing this ban, the government is taking an important step towards prevention, health equity, and giving children the best possible start in life.
“It is a welcome recognition that protecting children’s wellbeing today will deliver long-term benefits not only for individuals, but for society and the NHS as a whole.”
Energy drinks ban
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers, including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines. The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
The Government consultation will run for 12 weeks.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.
Plan for Change
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
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