Why have energy drinks been banned for under-16s in England? The real question is why it wasn’t done sooner | Devi Sridhar

The article discusses the recent ban on the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16 in England. The author, Professor Devi Sridhar, argues that this ban is a positive step, as energy drinks have been linked to various health concerns, such as obesity, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep patterns in young people. The article highlights the popularity of energy drinks among children and teenagers, driven by the influence of social media and online influencers. It also notes that the high sugar content in some energy drinks can contribute to dental issues and obesity. The article suggests that expecting parents to police their children's consumption of these "psychoactive drugs" is unrealistic and unfair, given the powerful marketing strategies used by energy drink companies. The author concludes that the ban is a necessary measure to protect the health and well-being of young people in England.