Ending the sale of energy drinks to children and young people

In recent years there has been substantial research into the impact of energy drinks on children and young people, including WHO research which outlined the “proven negative consequences of caffeine consumption among children and adolescents, including effects on the neurological and cardiovascular systems, which can cause physical dependence and addiction. Consumption of energy drinks among adolescents is associated with other potentially negative health and behavioural outcomes such as sensation seeking, use of tobacco and other harmful substances, and binge drinking and is associated with a greater risk for depression and injuries that require medical treatment. Recent literature has also found an increasing number of problems with behaviour modification and cognitive capabilities in adolescents who use energy drinks.