NHS checklist shows what energy drinks do to children as under-16 ban confirmed

NHS checklist shows what energy drinks do to children as under-16 ban confirmed High-caffeine energy drinks have been linked to a range of health concerns in children Parents are being urged to take a closer look at what their children are drinking after the government confirmed a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. The move follows growing concern over the potential health effects associated with regular consumption. The government has announced that retailers in England will be banned from selling high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16. The restrictions, announced by ministers, will apply to drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre and are intended to help protect children's health. According to the NHS, children are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults because of their smaller body size. The health service warns that consuming too much caffeine can have a number of unwanted health effects. Energy drink health effects According to the NHS, drinking too much caffeine can cause: - Difficulty sleeping or poor-quality sleep - Anxiety and increased feelings of nervousness - Irritability and mood changes - Headaches - Restlessness or feeling jittery - A rapid or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations) - Caffeine dependence, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, tiredness and irritability Government evidence also links regular consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks in children with disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poorer concentration and reduced educational outcomes. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, around 100,000 children in England consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink every day. The ban follows years of concern from health experts, teachers and campaigners about the impact energy drinks can have on young people. According to the government, children from more deprived communities are disproportionately affected by the health risks associated with highly caffeinated drinks. Many major supermarkets, including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and Waitrose, already operate voluntary policies refusing to sell energy drinks to under-16s. The new legislation will make those restrictions mandatory across retailers in England, including convenience stores and vending machines. Some energy drinks also contain large amounts of sugar, although sugar-free versions are available. Government guidance says regularly consuming sugary drinks is associated with obesity, tooth decay and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time. Parents are encouraged to check labels when buying drinks for children, particularly products marked "High caffeine content. Not recommended for children." Drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre will fall within the scope of the new legislation. The new restrictions are intended to reduce children's exposure to highly caffeinated drinks, but health experts say parents still have an important role to play. Checking labels and understanding the effects of caffeine can help families make informed choices long before children reach the checkout.