The U.K. just announced a bold move: banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16.

The goal? To protect kids’ sleep, mental health, concentration, and long-term well-being.

It’s time the United States does the same.

Energy drinks are packed with caffeine and sugar—some contain the equivalent of four cups of coffee in one can. These drinks are widely marketed and easily accessible to children and teens, despite growing scientific evidence linking them to:

Disrupted sleep and anxiety
Aggression and poor classroom performance
Obesity, heart issues, and dental damage.

U.S. brands already label these products “not recommended for children”—but without any law behind it, the warning means nothing.

We are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Congress to:

• Ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16
• Restrict marketing of these products to minors across all platforms
• Require clear, visible labeling and enforceable penalties for violations
   

Several European countries—including the U.K., Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—have already enacted similar bans. The U.S. shouldn’t wait until more children suffer the consequences of unregulated sales and marketing.

Energy drinks may be legal for adults—but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for kids.