Are energy drinks bad for your teen?

What parents need to know about the risks

Quick summary

• New UK rules will soon make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s
• This is something that medically is a good idea, as these drinks can disrupt sleep, mood, school focus, and even blood pressure
• No type of energy drink is “healthy” – natural caffeine sources like tea are safer if necessary

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If you’ve noticed your teen heading out with energy drinks during exam season or cracking one open first thing in the morning, you may feel a little bit concerned or just not be sure if it’s good or now.

And energy drinks seem to be everywhere right now, with loads of teens drinking them! 

In fact, one-third of children aged 13 to 16 years consume one or more of these drinks each week.

These fizzy cans with flashy labels promise quick energy, but more and more parents – and now the UK government – are asking: are they actually safe?

What’s happening in the UK: is it illegal for under-16s to drink energy drinks?

Not quite. 

The UK government is moving ahead with a ban on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. 

High-caffeine energy drinks refer to those containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre.

The law will apply to retailers, vending machines, cafes, and online shops. 

The idea is to protect kids’ health, sleep, teeth, and school performance.

Parents and health experts have welcomed the move. 

They point to rising health concerns, including obesity, anxiety, poor concentration, and dental decay linked to these drinks.

Although this ban will mean they cannot buy them legally, the law doesn’t ban teens from drinking them if they get them another way. 

That’s why it’s good to be informed about these, in case they come to you asking you to buy them these drinks.

Are energy drinks very unhealthy?

They can be, yes, especially for teens. 

Teens are more sensitive to caffeine, and energy drinks often exceed safe limits. 

Energy drinks are typically loaded with caffeine and sugar, which can lead to:

• Jitters, poor sleep, mood swings, and classroom hyperactivity or crashes
• Spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, possibly increasing long-term cardiovascular risk
• Neuropsychiatric effects like anxiety, panic attacks, attention issues, and even seizures in extreme cases
• Dental enamel erosion and risks to gut health from acidity and sugar

Which energy drink is healthy?

Truthfully, no energy drinks are a good choice for teens, especially those high in caffeine. 

Even “sugar-free” options may still carry high caffeine content and additives not suitable for young bodies.

If your teen needs a caffeine boost, a plain cup of tea is safer, as it doesn’t contain the intense combo of stimulants, sugar, and acids that energy drinks do.

Safer alternatives to energy drinks

Here are healthier ways to help your teen boost their energy:

• Help them get enough sleep, as proper rest is the best energy booster
• Water, smoothies, and herbal teas are much gentler picks to stay hydrated throughout the day 
• Balanced meals containing protein, whole grains, and fruit help sustain energy longer
• Managing stress through mindfulness, breaks, or movement helps more than caffeine crash fixes

It may be useful to have a chat with your teen about energy drinks if you’ve noticed them drinking them a lot. 

Ask what they like about them, share how they affect mood or sleep, and suggest swapping in healthier choices one step at a time.

Ultimately it’s about encouraging balance

Energy drinks might seem like an easy solution for tiredness or exam prep, but they’re often a short-term fix leading to unintended side effects.

With the new UK restrictions, teens under 16 will find it harder to access high-caffeine drinks.

But hopefully guidance and encouragement at home can help them build lasting, healthy habits without this having a huge impact on their daily habits.

luna is here to help you and your teen stay informed with all the best tips if needed.

And check out our teen sleep tips that will (hopefully) mean fewer energy drinks and a healthier relationship with energy!