"Harmful effects": Red Bull and other energy drinks are soon to be banned for under-16s... in England

Forget Red Bull and other energy-boosting drinks... On Wednesday, September 3, the British government announced the upcoming ban on the sale of energy drinks to young people under 16 in England. The goal: "to improve their physical and mental health" and to combat obesity .

About a third of teenagers aged 13 to 16 and nearly a quarter of children aged 11 to 12 consume one or more of these drinks every week , according to research cited by the Ministry of Health.

The government highlights their "harmful effects" on the health of young people, including sleep disorders, increased anxiety, decreased concentration and academic performance.

"The equivalent of a double espresso"

"How can children succeed in school if they consume the equivalent of a double espresso every day?" asks Health Minister Wes Streeting in a statement.

Energy drinks "may seem harmless but they impact the sleep , concentration and well-being of today's children , while high-sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity," he adds.

The government wants to make it illegal to sell energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to under-16s.

These include Red Bull and Monster drinks.

A consultation launched

This ban will apply to all points of sale, including online, in stores, restaurants, cafes and ATMs.

A 12-week consultation on the implementation of the ban is launched Wednesday, to gather information from health experts, education officials, vendors and others.

This measure applies to England. Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales make their own health decisions.