My children recently started high school, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to prepare them a healthy breakfast each morning. But I’ve become increasingly alarmed at what I see in my local community, children under 14 regularly buying and consuming energy drinks, often first thing in the morning.

I’ve even spoken to shopping centre staff who’ve seen some kids drink up to five cans a day. These children are often given money for food but instead spend it on high-caffeine energy drinks. As a parent, I find this deeply worrying.

I want to be clear: this isn’t about blaming or judging other parents, we’re all doing our best. But something needs to change. These drinks are simply not safe for young, developing bodies.

Energy drinks typically contain very high levels of caffeine, stimulants, and sugar. According to NSW Health, children and young people should limit their intake of caffeinated drinks, including energy drinks, due to the risk of side effects like:

Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Anxiety and sleep disturbances
Digestive issues and poor concentration

A 500ml can may contain around 158mg of caffeine, more than a double shot of espresso. Yet these drinks are sold to children without any restrictions.

Despite NSW Health’s clear guidance, there are currently no mandatory laws or age-based restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to minors in New South Wales. That means even very young kids can legally purchase these products in-store, without question.

Meanwhile, some communities have taken action. In Bridgetown, WA, local retailers introduced a voluntary ban on energy drink sales to under-18s. The program’s success led to it being extended indefinitely. South Australian health authorities have also cracked down on non-compliant energy drinks and issued fines. But without unified legislation, these are isolated efforts.

In the UK, many major supermarkets have already introduced age restrictions on energy drinks, setting a clear example Australia can follow.

This petition is a call for change. Just like tobacco and alcohol, energy drinks pose proven health risks to children and they should not be freely available to anyone under 15.

Sign this petition to urge NSW lawmakers to introduce legislation banning the sale of energy drinks to children under 15. Let’s protect the health of our kids—before profits.