A Western Australian town has taken the brave step to ban energy drinks for people aged under 19.
The small town of Bridgetown, about 270 kilometres south-east of Perth, with a population under 3000, has agreed to take part in a research trial aimed at improving youth mental health and behaviour.
Justine Howard, senior research officer at the Telethon Kids Institute, which aims to improve children’s health, told SBS News studies show energy drinks are not recommended for children due to addictive ingredients and potential health impacts.
“In a 500 millilitre can of energy drink, for example, it contains [caffeine equivalent to] two cups of coffee, and up to 21 teaspoons of sugar, depending on the brand,” she said.
It can also contain an entire day’s salt intake for a child.
Ms Howard said energy drinks have been associated with a number of negative health effects including heart issues, sleeping problems, poor concentration and gut disturbances.
The ban will finish at the end of May.
What do you think? Should energy drinks be banned for younger people? Is such an idea even enforceable?