After much campaigning over the years, the BDA welcomes the government's recent proposal to ban sales of high-caffeine drinks to under 16s.
Susan Price, Chair of the BDA, says "This is a huge win for children's health and something that has been so obviously needed for such a long time.
"Evidence of the dangers has been consistently shown and a ban was agreed back in 2019. We now urge the government to ensure this ban sees the light of day - for the sake of the 100,000 children and young people that are estimated to be consuming these drinks at least once a day."
The move addresses the growing body of evidence demonstrating that energy drinks are harmful to children's health and wellbeing.
Robust research has shown that energy drinks, which can contain up to 200mg of caffeine (equivalent of five cans of cola) per drink, are associated with poorer physical health, an increased risk of mental health issues and reduced academic performance amongst children and young people.
Bahee Van der Bor, Chair of the BDA Paediatric Specialist Group, added "High caffeine intakes in children are not only linked to poorer mental health and reduced academic performance but also to cardiovascular problems.
"Case reports describe young people presenting to A & E with chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms and even seizures after consuming large volumes of energy drinks. Systematic reviews have also shown that these drinks can acutely raise blood pressure and heart rate in adolescents, with potential long-term strain on the cardiovascular system."
The BDA has long supported a ban on sales of these drinks to under 16s. In 2018, the BDA responded to a consultation on the topic and supported academics from Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, the RCPCH and others in calling for the ban. This included contributing oral evidence to the Commons' Science and Technology Committee inquiry.
In 2024, the BDA co-signed an open letter, coordinated by the Children's Food Campaign and Food Active, sharing concerns.
The BDA wholeheartedly supports this proposal from the government to safeguard the health of children and young people.
