England is on the verge of a significant public health shift as the government announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16 years old—a move that has sparked widespread debate, support, and hope for healthier future generations. The proposal, revealed on September 3, 2025, marks a bold step in the government’s ongoing Plan for Change, aiming to tackle mounting concerns about the impact of energy drinks on children’s health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
Health Minister Wes Streeting, speaking at the announcement, didn’t mince words about the risks: "By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we're helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come." He highlighted the stark reality that these drinks, often containing more caffeine than two cups of coffee or four cans of cola, are regularly consumed by children as young as 11. According to government estimates, around 100,000 children in England have at least one high-caffeine energy drink every day, and up to a third of teenagers aged 13 to 16 drink them weekly. Even nearly a quarter of 11- to 12-year-olds are regular consumers.
Despite a voluntary ban by most major supermarkets, the drinks remain widely available—particularly in smaller convenience stores and online. The proposed ban, which would make it illegal to sell energy drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to those under 16, covers all retailers: shops, cafes, restaurants, vending machines, and digital platforms. Existing regulations already require these products to carry labels warning they are not suitable for children, but officials say that’s not enough. "How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?" Streeting asked, echoing the frustrations of parents and teachers nationwide.
The health risks aren’t just theoretical. Research cited by the Department of Health and Social Care links frequent consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks in adolescents to headaches, stomach problems, palpitations, anxiety, and even risky behaviors—especially when combined with alcohol. The drinks are also packed with sugar, contributing to tooth decay and obesity. Government projections suggest the ban could help prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds, not to mention future savings for the National Health Service and increased economic productivity.
But the issue goes beyond physical health. Teachers and teaching unions have repeatedly reported that energy drinks negatively impact classroom behavior, concentration, and academic performance. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pointed to a "scourge of poor classroom behaviour that undermines the learning of too many children—partly driven by the harmful effects of caffeine-loaded drinks." She added, "Today’s announcement is another step forward in addressing that legacy." The government’s broader strategy includes targeted support for struggling schools, access to specialist mental health professionals, and improved school food standards, all designed to give every child the best possible start in life.
For many parents and educators, the move couldn’t come soon enough. Lauren Morley, a parent ambassador with Sustain and an educator with 13 years’ experience, described the real-world impact: "In schools, I’ve witnessed panic attacks, anxiety and poor focus, often after students consume multiple cans instead of breakfast. My concern grows as my child gets older. When young people stop drinking them, we see their wellbeing, concentration and mood noticeably improve." Rounaq Nayak, a father and lecturer, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the powerful influence of marketing and peer pressure: "I’ve seen how marketing and peer influence make these drinks seem appealing—from my youngest wanting to copy older kids to my eldest believing they make you ‘faster’ at sport. Clear regulation, alongside education in schools and for parents, is essential to protect children’s health."
The marketing of energy drinks has long targeted young consumers, with bright packaging, sports sponsorships, and influencer endorsements normalizing heavy consumption. Carrera, a youth activist with Bite Back, described the drinks as "the social currency of the playground—cheap, brightly packaged and easier to buy than water. They’re aggressively marketed to us, especially online, despite serious health risks." She welcomed the ban as a first step, but called for further action on marketing and access to ensure lasting change.
Health professionals and public health organizations have also lined up in support. Professor Amelia Lake of Teesside University, who has reviewed global evidence, stated, "Our research has shown the significant mental and physical health consequences of children drinking energy drinks. These drinks have no place in the diets of children." Barbara Crowther from the Children’s Food Campaign at Sustain argued, "High-caffeine energy drinks already carry warning labels saying ‘not suitable for children’, so it’s absolutely right for the government to limit them from being sold to children too." The Obesity Health Alliance, the Association of Directors of Public Health, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have all issued statements backing the measure, citing the urgent need to protect children from products that offer no nutritional or developmental benefit and carry significant risks.
Retailers, too, have largely welcomed the move. Andrea Martinez-Inchausti of the British Retail Consortium said, "BRC members banned the sale of certain energy drinks to under-16s many years ago, so we welcome this announcement as it will ensure a level playing field across all businesses who sell energy drinks. But most importantly, it will protect young consumers." School leaders echoed this sentiment, with Pepe Di’Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders noting, "There is clear evidence that high-caffeine energy drinks are not only a health risk to children but that these products also affect behaviour and concentration. Restricting the sale of these drinks could be a relatively simple way of supporting learning and wellbeing."
The government has launched a 12-week consultation period to gather input from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local authorities, and the public. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the final policy is robust, effective, and fair to all stakeholders. The proposals do not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks, tea, or coffee, focusing specifically on the products most closely linked to negative outcomes in children.
England’s move follows similar restrictions in countries like Lithuania and Latvia, and partial bans or warning labels in Norway and Sweden. As the consultation unfolds, the debate is likely to intensify, with advocates calling for even stricter controls on marketing and industry practices, while some business groups may raise concerns about implementation and enforcement. Still, the momentum for action is clear, and the government’s message is unequivocal: the health and future of England’s children must come first.
As the consultation progresses, families, educators, and health professionals across the country will watch closely—hoping this landmark policy will help tip the scales toward a healthier, more focused, and more equitable generation.
